A B-52 Stratofortress from the 96th Bomb Squadron, Barksdale AFB, La., recently traveled to Edwards AFB, Calif., for Hazards of Electromagnetic Radiation to Ordnance (HERO) testing. The 772nd Test Squadron managed the process at the Benefield Anechoic Facility. It took four days to situate the B-52 physically inside the building, which has a jack and a turntable to recreate in-flight conditions. The HERO testing is meant to ensure the aircraft’s normal electronic operations will not accidentally activate the ordnance it will carry. The anechoic facility also allows faster and more reliable test results because it creates an environment that filters out the kind of electronic signal traffic usually found on a flight line.
When acting Air Force Secretary Gary A. Ashworth rescinded service-wide “Family Days” last week citing the need to build readiness, he left it up to commanders, directors, and supervisors to decide if they would still permit extra days off. Here’s how Air Force major commands are taking that guidance.