The Air Force plans to outline its science and technology priorities to members of industry and academia during the “Wright Dialogues” at Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio, July 22-24. Maj. Gen. Thomas Masiello, commander of the Air Force Research Laboratory, and Lt. Gen. C.D. Moore, commander of the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center, will speak at the “industry-hosted collaboration event,” according to a July 16 release. “It is vitally important that AFRL engage with our industry and academia partners to highlight our requirements and research interests,” said Masiello. “We need to communicate our S&T priorities and where there are gaps and opportunities in areas like cyber, autonomy, and next-generation aerospace.” Masiello said the industry days also provide USAF with “valuable feedback on industry capabilities and emerging technologies that show promise.” Wright Dialogues will focus on technical discussions on eight “key technology focus areas,” including next-gen aerospace, space and nuclear, weapons, ISR, human performance, C4, affordability and sustainment, and electronic warfare/electronic protection, states the release. “We defend America by unleashing the power of innovative air and space technology,” Masiello said. “It’s the combined ecosystem of government, academia, small business, and large business, working in collaboration which enables that.”
President Donald Trump signed legislation reopening the federal government late Nov. 12, ending the longest shutdown in U.S. history. The move sets the stage for tens of thousands of defense civilians to return to work and guarantees troops will be paid in a few days’ time.
