STEM-M Exhibits
Air Force Space Command
AFSPC acquires, operates and supports the Global Positioning System, Defense Satellite Communications Systems Phase III, Defense Meteorological Satellite Program, Defense Support Program and the Space-Based Infrared System Program. AFSPC currently operates the Delta II, Delta IV and Atlas V launch vehicles.
EAA Spirit of Aviation
The Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) is an international organization of aviation enthusiasts based in Oshkosh, Wisconsin.
AFRL Robot/Drone Cage
The Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) is a scientific research organization operated by the United States Air Force Materiel Command dedicated to leading the discovery, development, and integration of affordable aerospace warfighting technologies, planning and executing the Air Force science and technology program, and providing warfighting capabilities to United States air, space, and cyberspace forces
Drone Racing League
DRL is the global, professional drone racing circuit for elite pilots. With custom built racing drones traveling 90 MPH+, pilots race FPV (First Person View) through the most insane 3D courses ever created outside of a video game.
CPI, Feat. SparkX
The SparkX Cell Innovation and Idea Center on JBA held its grand opening Jan. 24, 2019 at the Community Commons. SparkX is an innovation program that integrates technology to help Airmen pursue solutions to improve the Air Force. Their mission is “to bring tomorrow’s tools to the Warfighter today.” The program began five months ago when a group of service members teamed with contractors to design and establish the Innovation and Idea Center, a creative design space for JBA personnel to use.
Civil Air Patrol STEM Kit
Civil Air Patrol provides CAP STEM Kit Program to nationwide CAP Unit Aerospace Education Officers and CAP Members who are educators. These kits are designed to enhance current CAP educational curriculum and programs and will be ready-made for immediate implementation. The goal is to generate enthusiasm among cadets and K-12 youth for STEM-related subjects and careers through a program supplying STEM resources for hands-on, inquiry-based learning.
College Park Aviation
The College Park Aviation Museum (CPAM) is an institution dedicated to “promoting aviation innovations at College Park Airport and in Prince George’s County while fostering research, inventiveness, and lifelong curiosity about the history and science of flight.”
JHU Applied Physics Lab
John Hopkins University Applied Physics Lab solves complex research, engineering, and analytical problems that present critical challenges to our nation. APL—the nation’s largest university affiliated research center—provides U.S. government agencies with deep expertise in specialized fields to support national priorities and technology development programs.
NASA Goddard
The Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC) is the largest combined organization of scientists and engineers in the United States dedicated to increasing knowledge of the Earth, the Solar System, and the Universe via observations from space. GSFC is a major US laboratory for developing and operating unmanned scientific spacecraft. GSFC conducts scientific investigation, development and operation of space systems, and development of related technologies.
National Weather Service (Friday only)
NWS has played a key role in protecting American lives and properties for over a century. The timely provision of reliable weather, water, climate, and environmental information has supported the Nation's social and economic development.
World’s Smallest Jet
You may have heard of the BD-5J, known as “The World’s Smallest Jet.” These micro-jets have been specially modified (proprietary) to further reduce their already very small radar cross section signature, but also to provide a higher top-end speed. The jets have been certified by a USG agency as a Type-1 Cruise Missile Simulator.
11 CES Engineering Assistants CAD Work and Map Making
Civil Engineer Squadron engineer make maps by using Geographic Information Systems. GIS lets the engineer flight capture all forms of geographically referenced information and transform it into the form of maps, reports, and charts.
11 MDG Andrews Medical Simulation and Education Lab
The 11th Medical Group provides oversight for Air Force medics at military treatment facilities across Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, D.C. In the same way that pilots do ground school and simulators before flying, the medical profession is beginning to adopt similar techniques.
811 OSS Aviation Flight Equipment
811 OSS supports the 1st Helicopter Squadron's 24-hour operations mission for the National Capital Region, the equipment has to be mission ready at all times. They maintain more than 400 pieces of equipment to include: helmets, night vision goggles and survival kits for more than 170 aircrew members.
89 OSS/OSW (Weather)
89 OSS/OSW ensure mission readiness by correctly forecasting winter weather systems that come through the National Capital Region.
Aerospace Physiology
The purpose of the Aerospace Physiology training is to help aircrew, and operational personnel flying in aircraft, understand the hazards of high altitude flight and the physiological effects of low barometric pressure.
AF Office of Special Investigations (Forensic) – Friday only
The Air Force Office of Special Investigations has been the Air Force's major investigative service since Aug.1, 1948. The agency reports to the Inspector General, Office of the Secretary of the Air Force. AFOSI provides professional investigative service to commanders of all Air Force activities. Its primary responsibilities are criminal investigations and counterintelligence services.
Naval Surface Warfare Center Carderock (Sea Perch Underwater Robot)
The Sea Perch program is run by the Office of Naval Research through its National Naval Responsibility for Naval Engineering (NNRNE) program. Scientists and engineers from NSWC Carderock Division attend Sea Perch construction training sessions with classroom teachers and then they work with the students in the classroom, either during the school day or as part of special after-school engineering clubs.
F-35 Simulator
The F-35 simulator allows pilots to train with no air space restrictions or maintenance downtime. The practice also provides instructors with the chance to monitor their students’ progress in real time and tailor their lessons to issues that students encounter, thereby streamlining F-35 pilot training.
Pilot Training Next Flight Simulator (Friday only)
One of the key tenants of the Pilot Training Next (PTN) program is the round-the-clock access to an immersive simulation training environment, with students having 24/7 access to simulators in their living quarters. Critical to building that individualized and continuously accessible training environment has been the use of virtual reality and artificial intelligence.
How helicopers work (UH-1N Static display)
The UH-1N is a light-lift utility helicopter used to support various missions. The primary missions include: airlift of emergency security forces, security and surveillance of off-base nuclear weapons convoys, and distinguished visitor airlift.
NASA ISS Video chat (Recorded message)
The International Space Station is a large spacecraft. It orbits around Earth. It is a home where astronauts live.The space station is also a science lab. Many countries worked together to build it. They also work together to use it.
NASA Hubble Telescope Hands-on (Friday only)
Hubble, the observatory, is the first major optical telescope to be placed in space, the ultimate mountaintop. Above the distortion of the atmosphere, far far above rain clouds and light pollution, Hubble has an unobstructed view of the universe. Scientists have used Hubble to observe the most distant stars and galaxies as well as the planets in our solar system.
NASA Tech Xfer to Everyday Lives (Friday only)
NASA's Technology Transfer Program ensures that innovations developed for exploration and discovery are broadly available to the public, maximizing the benefit to the Nation.
Smithsonian Museum (Mars map/straw rockets)
This map illustrates the topography of Mars. The difference in elevation between the southern highlands and the northern lowlands exceeds 6 kilometers (3.7 miles) in some areas—comparable to the elevation difference between Earth’s continents and ocean floors.
Smithsonian Museum (Moon Map) w/Buzz Aldrin Foundation
NASA's Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter science team released the highest resolution near-global topographic map of the Moon ever created to date. This topographic map shows the surface shape and features over nearly the entire moon with a pixel scale close to 328 feet.
Smithsonian Museum (Mars Bus)
The “Mars Experience” was developed for late-elementary and middle school students and is integrated into a variety of the programs the museum offers around topics such as living and working in space and exploring Mars. The experience is available to Udvar-Hazy Center visitors on weekends, free of charge.
Milieux Project
The Milieux Project is a grassroots effort to increase women and minority pilots in military (and civil) aviation. With 52% of our population being women, it is not logical that percentages of women in the military have stayed the same (18-20%) since 2005, and percentages of women in aviation have decreased (hovering at 5%). The aim of Milieux Project is to create community, discover obstacles and advocate for #sistersinservice #womeninaviation #minoritiesinservice for those passionate about creating change.
PG Fire Department
The Fire and Emergency Medical Services Department (Fire/EMS) Department strives to improve the quality of life in Prince George’s County by promoting safety, and providing the highest quality of fire prevention, fire protection, emergency medical services, and community outreach programs.
Static Displays
C-5 Galaxy
The first C-5A Galaxy (serial number 66-8303) was rolled out of the manufacturing plant in Marietta, Georgia, on 2 March 1968. On 30 June 1968, flight testing of the C-5A began with the first flight, flown by Leo Sullivan, with the call sign "eight-three-oh-three heavy". Flight tests revealed that the aircraft exhibited a higher drag divergence Mach number than predicted by wind tunnel data.
C-17 Globemaster III
The Boeing C-17 Globemaster III is a large military transport aircraft. It was developed for the United States Air Force (USAF) from the 1980s to the early 1990s by McDonnell Douglas. The C-17 carries forward the name of two previous piston-engined military cargo aircraft, the Douglas C-74 Globemaster and the Douglas C-124 Globemaster II.
KC-135 Stratotanker
The KC-135 Stratotanker provides the core aerial refueling capability for the United States Air Force and has excelled in this role for more than 60 years. This unique asset enhances the Air Force's capability to accomplish its primary mission of global reach. It also provides aerial refueling support to Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps and allied nation aircraft. The KC-135 is also capable of transporting litter and ambulatory patients using patient support pallets during aeromedical evacuations.
Boeing C-40 Clipper
The Boeing C-40 Clipper is a military version of the Boeing 737-700C airline transport. It is used by both the United States Navy and the United States Air Force, and has been ordered by the United States Marine Corps. The Navy C-40A variant is named "Clipper", whereas the USAF C-40B/C variants are officially unnamed.
T6 Texan II
The T-6A Texan II is a single-engine, two-seat primary trainer designed to train Joint Primary Pilot Training, or JPPT, students in basic flying skills common to U.S. Air Force and Navy pilots.
T-1 Jayhawk
The T-1A Jayhawk is a medium-range, twin-engine jet trainer used in the advanced phase of specialized undergraduate pilot training for students selected to fly airlift or tanker aircraft. It is also used to support navigator training for the U.S. Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps and international services.
T-38 Talon
The T-38 Talon is a twin-engine, high-altitude, supersonic jet trainer used in a variety of roles because of its design, economy of operations, ease of maintenance, high performance and exceptional safety record. Air Education and Training Command is the primary user of the T-38 for joint specialized undergraduate pilot training. Air Combat Command, Air Force Materiel Command and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration also use the T-38A in various roles.
TH-1
The Vietnam-era UH-1H helicopters were converted into brand new TH-1H helicopters, seen here in action. The UH-1Hs are stripped down,cleaned and then built back up with brand new structural and dynamic parts, an upgraded engine and a glass cockpit that includes state of the art avionics.
F-16 Fighting Falcon
The F-16 Fighting Falcon is a compact, multi-role fighter aircraft. It is highly maneuverable and has proven itself in air-to-air combat and air-to-surface attack. It provides a relatively low-cost, high-performance weapon system for the United States and allied nations.
UH-1N Iroquois
The UH-1N is a light-lift utility helicopter used to support various missions. The primary missions include: airlift of emergency security forces, security and surveillance of off-base nuclear weapons convoys, and distinguished visitor airlift.
UH-60
The UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter is the U.S. Army’s primary medium lift utility transport and air assault aircraft. The UH-60 Black Hawk is a twin-engined medium lift utility helicopter. It is equipped with a single 4-bladed rotor and a single 4-bladed tail rotor.
UH-72
The UH-72A is a twin-engined light duty helicopter. It is equipped with a single 4-bladed main rotor and a single 2-bladed tail rotor mounted on the left-hand side of the tail assembly. The UH-72A is capable of transporting eight passengers or two litters in the medical evacuation capacity.
AW-139 (MD state police)
The AgustaWestland AW139 is a 15-seat medium-sized twin-engined helicopter developed and produced principally by AgustaWestland. It is marketed at several different roles, including VIP/corporate transport, offshore transport, fire fighting, law enforcement, search and rescue, emergency medical service, disaster relief, and maritime patrol. In addition to AgustaWestland's own manufacturing facilities in Italy and the United States, the AW139 is produced in Russia by HeliVert, a joint venture between AgustaWestland and Russian Helicopters.
US Customs & Border Protection
United States Customs and Border Protection (USCBP) is the largest federal law enforcement agency of the United States Department of Homeland Security, and is the country's primary border control organization. It is charged with regulating and facilitating international trade, collecting import duties, and enforcing U.S. regulations, including trade, customs, and immigration. CBP is one of the largest law enforcement agencies in the United States. It has a workforce of more than 45,600 sworn federal agents and officers. It has its headquarters in Washington, D.C.
Civil Air Patrol
The Civil Air Patrol (CAP) is a congressionally chartered, federally supported non-profit corporation that serves as the official civilian auxiliary of the United States Air Force (USAF). CAP is a volunteer organization with an aviation-minded membership that includes people from all backgrounds, lifestyles, and occupations.
Experimental Aviation Association
The Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) is an international organization of aviation enthusiasts based in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. Since its inception it has grown internationally with over 200,000 members and nearly 1,000 chapters worldwide.
MQ-9
The General Atomics MQ-9 Reaper (sometimes called Predator B) is an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) capable of remotely controlled or autonomous flight operations, developed by General Atomics Aeronautical Systems (GA-ASI) primarily for the United States Air Force (USAF). The MQ-9 and other UAVs are referred to as Remotely Piloted Vehicles/Aircraft (RPV/RPA) by the USAF to indicate their human ground controllers.
E-8 Joint stars
The E-8C Joint Surveillance Target Attack Radar System, or Joint STARS, is an airborne battle management, command and control, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance platform. Its primary mission is to provide theater ground and air commanders with ground surveillance to support attack operations and targeting that contributes to the delay, disruption and destruction of enemy forces
C-54 Skymaster
The C-54 Skymaster is a four-engined transport aircraft used by the United States Army Air Forces in World War II and the Korean War. Like the Douglas C-47 Skytrain derived from the DC-3, the C-54 Skymaster was derived from a civilian airliner, the Douglas DC-4. Besides transport of cargo, the C-54 also carried presidents, prime ministers, and military staff. Dozens of variants of the C-54 were employed in a wide variety of non-combat roles such as air-sea rescue, scientific and military research, and missile tracking and recovery. During the Berlin Airlift it hauled coal and food supplies to West Berlin. After the Korean War it continued to be used for military and civilian uses by more than 30 countries. It was one of the first aircraft to carry the President of the United States.
C-47 Skytrain
Few aircraft are as well known, were so widely used or used as long as the C-47. Affectionately nicknamed the "Gooney Bird," this aircraft was adapted from the Douglas DC-3 commercial airliner. These C-47s carried personnel and cargo around the globe. They also towed troop-carrying gliders, dropped paratroops into enemy territory, and air evacuated sick or wounded patients.
T-45 Goshawk
The T-45A Goshawk is a tandem-seat, carrier capable, jet trainer whose mission is to train Navy and Marine Corps pilots. The T-45A aircraft, the Navy version of the British Aerospace Hawk aircraft, is used for intermediate and advanced portions of the Navy/Marine Corps pilot training program for jet carrier aviation and tactical strike missions.
F-18 Super Hornet
A true multi-role aircraft, the F-18 Super Hornet is able to perform virtually every mission in the tactical spectrum including air superiority, day/night strike with precision guided weapons, fighter escort, close air support, suppression of enemy air defense, maritime strike, reconnaissance, forward air control and buddy refueling.
PT-17 Stearman “Kaydet”
PT-17 Stearman aircraft is also known as Kaydet (PT stands for Primary Trainer). The Stearman is well known for its solid flying characteristics and rugged construction. Boeing built over 10,000 PT-17 Stearmans during the 1930s and 1940s. Thousands of pilots flew this plane first during WWII.
CV-22 Osprey
The CV-22 Osprey is a tiltrotor aircraft that combines the vertical takeoff, hover and vertical landing qualities of a helicopter with the long-range, fuel efficiency and speed characteristics of a turboprop aircraft. Its mission is to conduct long-range infiltration, exfiltration and resupply missions for special operations forces.
AC-130
The AC-130W Stinger II primary missions are close air support and air interdiction. The aircraft is a highly modified C-130H featuring improved navigation, threat detection, countermeasures, and communication suites. All AC-130W aircraft are modified with a precision strike package to perform the gunship mission.
P3
The P-3C Orion is a land-based, long-range, anti-submarine warfare patrol aircraft. In operation since the 1960s, its known as the workhorse of the fleet. The aircraft maintains a continuous worldwide deployment posture. Since the aircraft began its career in the 60s, and the P-3C Orion and its intelligence variant remains in service
F-15
The F-15 Eagle is an all-weather, extremely maneuverable, tactical fighter designed to permit the Air Force to gain and maintain air supremacy over the battlefield. The Eagle's air superiority is achieved through a mixture of unprecedented maneuverability and acceleration, range, weapons and avionics.
B-52
The B-52 is a long-range, heavy bomber that can perform a variety of missions. The bomber is capable of flying at high subsonic speeds at altitudes up to 50,000 feet (15,166.6 meters). It can carry nuclear or precision guided conventional ordnance with worldwide precision navigation capability.
B-17
The Boeing B-17 “Flying Fortress” was a four-engine, heavy bomber produced for the Army Air Corps prior to and during World War II. The aircraft was used in all theaters of the war with particularly heavy use in the European campaign.
TBM Grummon Avenger
TBM Grummon Avenger is a rare extant example of the U.S. Navy's leading torpedo bomber. Throughout World War II, Avengers flew with the U.S. Navy, the U.S. Marines and the Royal Navies of the Allies in every theater of the conflict, successfully carrying out reconnaissance, bombing raids and anti-submarine patrols and contributing significantly to the eventual Allied victory.
A-10
The A/OA-10 Thunderbolt II is the first Air Force aircraft specially designed for close air support of ground forces. They are simple, effective and survivable twin-engine jet aircraft that can be used against all ground targets, including tanks and other armored vehicles.
KC-10 Extender
The KC-10 Extender is an Air Mobility Command advanced tanker and cargo aircraft designed to provide increased global mobility for U.S. armed forces. Although the KC-l0's primary mission is aerial refueling, it can combine the tasks of a tanker and cargo aircraft by refueling fighters and simultaneously carry the fighter support personnel and equipment on overseas deployments.
Munitions Trailer
The MHU-12 munitions handling trailer is used to transport munitions between the storage area and the flightline. It can accommodate a wide variety of munitions using various adapters, cradles and chocks.
ASV (Vehicle)
The Armored Security Vehicle (ASV) is a beast of a machine, able to protect Soldiers from explosions, riding on massive wheels that keep the hull high off the ground, and it’s equipped with a turret made to hold two machine guns, a grenade launcher and smoke grenades.
FMTV (Vehicle)
The Family of Medium Tactical Vehicles (FMTV) is a system of strategically deployable vehicles that performs general resupply, ammunition resupply, maintenance and recovery, and engineer support missions. It serves as weapon systems platforms for combat, combat support and combat service support units in a tactical environment.
Humvee
"Humvee" is the military's High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle, also known as a "HMMWV". Primarily used by the United States military, it is also used by numerous other countries and organizations and even in civilian adaptations.