Facilities Restoration and Modernization - Test and Evaluation Support

The Facilities Restoration and Modernization Test and Evaluation Support program (PE 0605976F) is a key element of the Air Force's Research, Development, Test & Evaluation (RDT&E) Management Support budget. Its primary objective is to restore and modernize critical test and evaluation (T&E) infrastructure across several major Air Force installations. The program is designed to ensure that T&E facilities remain safe, functional, and capable of supporting current and future research and testing requirements, particularly as technology and mission demands evolve.

Restoration activities under this program focus on repairing or replacing facilities that have been damaged due to inadequate sustainment, excessive age, natural disasters, accidents, or other causes. Modernization efforts involve altering or replacing facilities to meet new standards, accommodate new functions, or replace aging components such as structural frameworks and foundations. The program does not cover environmental compliance, facility leases, or routine operational services like custodial or waste disposal.

The program supports several major Air Force T&E organizations and their associated facilities. These include the 96th Test Wing (TW) at Eglin Air Force Base (AFB), Florida; the 412th TW at Edwards AFB, California; and the Arnold Engineering and Development Complex (AEDC), which encompasses Arnold AFB, Tennessee, the 704th Test Group (TG) at Holloman AFB, New Mexico, the Landing Gear Test Facility at Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio, Hypersonic Wind Tunnel 9 at White Oak, Maryland, and the National Full-Scale Aerodynamics Complex at Moffett Field, California. Each of these locations is critical to the Air Force's ability to conduct a wide range of test and evaluation activities.

Facility restoration and modernization at the 96TW aims to address infrastructure needs across the range complex at Eglin AFB. Planned efforts for FY 2025 and FY 2026 include repairing or replacing heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, upgrading fire protection systems, repairing range towers, and replacing roll-up doors. The McKinley Climatic Laboratory and other failing facilities are also slated for repairs and upgrades, ensuring the 96TW can continue to support diverse environmental and weapons testing missions.

Facility restoration and modernization at AEDC is a major focus of the program, with an emphasis on enhancing hypersonic test capabilities. Projects include maintenance of test utility systems, replacement of switchgear and breakers at the Von Karman Facility, mechanical and electrical repairs, and evaluation and repair of pressure and hazardous materials systems. Plans also include major repairs at the J6 large rocket motor test facility, the Aerodynamic and Propulsion Test Unit (APTU), and various other test facilities across Arnold AFB and the 704TG, supporting the Air Force's growing emphasis on hypersonics research and testing.

Facility restoration and modernization at the 412TW at Edwards AFB is focused on upgrading and restoring T&E facilities to support aircraft and systems testing. Planned projects for FY 2025 and FY 2026 include renovations to the aircraft engine repair shop, fire suppression upgrades for the Ridley Mission Control Center and fuel cell dock, and control room enhancements for the Joint Simulation Environment (JSE). These efforts are intended to address fire safety deficiencies, improve HVAC accreditation, and modernize critical infrastructure supporting simulation and live testing environments.

The Facilities Restoration and Modernization Test and Evaluation Support program addresses the need to maintain and enhance the Air Force's T&E infrastructure, which is essential for the safe and effective development, testing, and evaluation of new technologies and systems. The program's investments are particularly important as the Air Force expands its focus on advanced capabilities such as hypersonics, requiring state-of-the-art facilities and equipment. By addressing both restoration and modernization needs, the program ensures that T&E organizations can continue to fulfill their missions in support of national defense objectives.