Aerotech News and Review

The Defense Department’s Personal Property Activity officially launched its new website, www.ppa.mil, May 1, 2026, creating a centralized digital hub designed to better support DOW personnel and industry partners as they navigate the moving process. The new platform serves as the definitive single source of truth for all parties involved in supporting global household goods and vehicle shipment, in-transit storage and non-temporary storage. It replaces previously fragmented platforms by providing a modernized, user-friendly experience that focuses on clarity, accessibility and efficiency. Designed with warfighters in mind, the website provides step-by-step moving guidance and checklists for every stage of the relocation process. It also includes resources on permanent change of station moves, personally procured moves, overseas shipments and guidance for filing claims and shipping privately owned vehicles. #ArmyMajMatthewVisser https://lnkd.in/g3vn4rVv

“It will be a permanent solution for all service members who move,” Hegseth said. “Its mission is to guarantee high-quality, reliable and efficient household goods and vehicle shipment services to the more than 300,000 warfighters worldwide who move somewhere every new year. Baggage and other household effects need to arrive on time, and they will.” #StuartIbberson https://lnkd.in/g7fZ5azw

Before a single aircraft lifts off the runway at Edwards Air Force Base, Calif., engineers must complete a mountain of documentation. Test plans, hazard analyses, evaluation frameworks, and technical reports are all part of the process that ensures flight tests are conducted safely and produce meaningful results. Drafting those documents can take hours, days, and sometimes weeks. A new artificial intelligence tool is beginning to compress that timeline dramatically. At the Air Force Test Center, engineers are using the AI Flight Test Assistant, known as AFTA, to rapidly generate first drafts of the documents that support the flight test process. The tool allows engineers to spend more time on analysis, planning, and the execution of complex tests, and less on drafting, wordsmithing, and compiling information. AFTA began as a tool designed to generate test documentation, but the platform has since evolved into a broader workflow system. #edwardsafb #TechSgtRobertCloys https://lnkd.in/gPeHUzW6

Welcome to this special edition of Aerotech News and Review — PCS: Home Is Where We’re Sent. For military families, PCS season is more than just moving boxes and changing duty stations — it’s the start of a new chapter. Widely known across the Department of Defense as PCS season, the transition begins in May through the summer months with thousands of service members and families preparing for new assignments around the world. Whether this is your first move or your tenth, we know PCS life comes with challenges, questions, and a long to-do list. That’s why this special issue was created — to help make your transition smoother, easier, and as stress-free as possible. Inside, you’ll find practical resources, trusted guidance, and helpful tips covering every stage of the PCS journey — from preparing children emotionally for the move, to organizing your relocation, understanding benefits, filing claims after your move, and getting settled into your new community. Some topics of interest include: • Who, what, when, where and why behind PCS season • Mechanism for PCS moves has changed • What allowances am I entitled to when making a PCS move? • Tips for successfully packing/unpacking • Making the move easier for children • Are PCS expenses tax deductible? https://lnkd.in/g5thXQKM Many more topics are covered in this annual must-have edition. As always, THANK YOU for your support – it’s our privilege to serve you! Be safe and be well. 

The competition evaluates maintainers on technical knowledge, aircraft cleanliness, and professionalism to determine the top crew chief within the wing. These standards for excellence at Luke AFB forge combat-ready Airmen and strengthen global deterrence. https://lnkd.in/gXU_Sb2k

Airmen, families, and community members gathered at Luke Air Force Base, Arizona, for a high-energy “Celebrity Slam Jam” basketball game hosted by Celebrity Sweat, a fitness and entertainment organization that connects professional athletes and influencers with communities through health-focused events... Team captains included former NBA players Dwight Howard and Robert Horry, who faced off against former NBA player Shawn Marion and former NFL player Brian Urlacher, bringing star power and competitive energy to the installation. Additional appearances from former UFC fighter Henry Cejudo helped create an exciting, interactive environment for attendees. “We’re here for entertainment and community,” said Lisa Levine, Celebrity Sweat chief executive officer. “We’re so proud to be American. When everyone connects it feels like a family.” https://lnkd.in/gRzNJScq

Since its ribbon-cutting in late 2024, the Flight Test Engineering Lab at Edwards Air Force Base, Calif., has expanded its operational footprint, cementing its role as a key strategic asset in developing the nation’s next generation of warfighting technologies. “The flight test capabilities of this facility do not exist anywhere else, which is how we are truly sharpening American airpower and supporting future Air Force programs at the 412th Test Wing,” said Paul Waters, 412th Test Engineering Group director. “The work done here is crucial to realizing the future of a fully networked and integrated force.” https://lnkd.in/gF8WDhAX

The flight began with Prism controlling the aircraft before transitioning mid-flight to Applied Intuition’s and Accelint’s mission autonomy skills, demonstrating Talon IQ’s ability to dynamically switch partner autonomy at the individual skill level within the testbed. By seamlessly swapping between two partner autonomy skills, Talon IQ demonstrated how Prism can host third-party Mission Autonomy skills while adhering to U.S. government reference architectures. Northrop Grumman’s Prism Mission Autonomy software’s speed and readiness demonstrate software maturity and ability to execute diverse missions, including teaming with crewed and uncrewed assets, dynamically routing and deconflicting in real time with other vehicles. “We’ve opened the Talon IQ ecosystem to help companies prove their autonomous capabilities and advance next-generation flight — providing a real-world testing platform at a lower cost than fully uncrewed systems. Our investment speeds software maturity, enhances reliability and accelerates delivery of mission-ready solutions,” said Craig Woolston, sector vice president and general manager, research & advanced design, Northrop Grumman Aeronautics Systems. https://lnkd.in/gtC6AaRF

A mixed active-duty and Reserve KC-135 Stratotanker aircrew from the 418th Flight Test Squadron and 370th FLTS recently refueled a 420th FLTS B-21 Raider. The milestone mission accelerates the delivery of long-range strike capability and demonstrates rapid maturation of the B-21 weapon system. All three units are Edwards based. The B-21program’s progress exemplifies the principles of the Department of the Air Force’s transformed acquisition approach, which is focused on delivering integrated warfighting capability at speed. “Every milestone we achieve with this platform is truly a testament to the integrated capabilities and expertise of our Raider Combined Test Force team, as well as our everyday focus on getting this aircraft into the hands of our warfighters,” said Lt. Col. Matthew Gray, 420th FLTS commander. “The B-21 program is the leading edge of the acquisition mindset we are instilling across the force,” said Gen. Dale White, Department of War direct reporting portfolio manager for critical major weapon systems. “Every test proves the success of empowering our leaders to deliver integrated capability from the start." #SecretaryoftheAirForce https://lnkd.in/g76cSUEu

If your business serves military families, this is your moment to be discovered—don’t let it pass. Thousands of service members and their families are actively searching for who to trust, where to go, and which businesses will support their next chapter. This annual special edition is a rare, high-impact opportunity to put your business directly in front of a motivated, ready-to-act audience. Spots are limited- the deadline is here! Be seen. Be chosen. Don’t miss it. #MilitaryFamilies #PCSSeason #SupportOurTroops #MilitaryMove #PCS2026 #MilitaryCommunity #VeteranOwned #LocalBusiness #NewDutyStation #RelocationReady #MilitaryLife #ServiceMembers #TrustedLocal #BusinessGrowth #AdvertiseNow #LimitedOpportunity #HighIntentAudience #BeDiscovered #ActNow