The Air Force Research Lab, in conjunction with Boeing’s Phantom Works and Aeronautical Systems Center’s Aging Aircraft Systems Squadron, has developed a new environment-friendly, corrosion resistant aircraft coating. AFRL scientists have been searching for a new coating because the existing chromate-based coating—which has excellent corrosion inhibiting properties—is known to be hazardous. The result is AC-131BB, a zirconium alkoxide-based coating. Researchers have completed 1,000 hours of salt-spray testing, adhesion experiments, and corrosion tests—all showing that the new coating works—on aluminum test panels of an F-15 and a KC-135.
Airman 1st Class Marcus White-Allen concocted a story to cover up that he fired his M18 9mm pistol into Airman Braden Lovan’s chest, killing him on July 20, two Airmen from F.E. Warren Air Force Base, Wyo., testified during separate courts martial proceedings on Oct. 30-31.
