Metrology Accomplishments

The Directorate of Metrology had many accomplishments and achievements during the 35 years of 1962-1996. These accomplishments came in a variety of ways and from all areas of the directorate.

A significant number of accomplishments were the result of engineering studies that led to procurement of equipment that provided the Air Force Measurement Standards Laboratory (AFMSL) and/or the Base Precision Measurement Laboratories (BPMELs) with a greater measurement accuracy and in most cases at reduced costs.

Many other achievements came as a result of the identification of measurement requirements during preparation of Calibration Measurement Summaries (CMSs) for Air Force weapon systems. This early identification of measurement requirements provided the necessary lead time to develop and procure PMEL support equipment in time for system deployment; it also provided time for calibration procedures to be written and published.

In 1962 a program was initiated to establish the direct exchange of calibration standards between the AFMSL and the base PMELs. Previously, base PMELs had relied on the Air Materiel Area (AMA) PMELs for their standards support. This direct exchange reduced duplication of reference standards.

A program was started in 1964 to audit and evaluate PMEL capabilities and Metrology became the manager of a worldwide PMEL Certification Program. The AMAs initially evaluated all PMELs in their geographical area of responsibility and the AMAs were evaluated by Metrology personnel. Later, the total mission was transferred to the Directorate of Metrology.

Metrology began publishing Controlled Multiple Address Letters (CMALs) in 1965; this practice kept PMEL personnel updated on changes to the calibration program.

The Aerospace Guidance & Metrology Center (AGMC) had a support role during the Vietnam War. By 1968, AGMC had assisted in the establishment of nine PMELs in Taiwan and south Vietnam.

Advanced aircraft being developed in the late 1960s and early 1970s made it necessary to provide on-site calibration support to aircraft deployed worldwide. This lead to the development of the Transportable Field Calibration Unit (TFCU) which consisted of 20 cases of the most advanced precision measurement equipment covering all measurement areas. The TFCUs were procured, assembled, and distributed by Newark AFB to the field for on-site calibration support.

The availability of the minicomputer in the late 1970s allowed Metrology to develop automated calibrators which could be tailored to individual requirements of the new weapon systems entering the Air Force inventory. These calibrators were called the Portable Automatic Test Equipment Calibrator (PATEC). The PATEC was similar to the TFCU except the PATEC was automatic with a minicomputer and specially designed to support a specific weapon system ( both the TFCU and the PATEC were upgraded in the period 1984-1988 ).

A most significant Metrology development was the Field Assistance Support Team for Calibration ( FASTCAL ). This was a portable PMEL consisting of nine environmentally controlled shelters and calibration equipment equivalent to a Type II PMEL. The shelters and equipment were needed to provide a calibration capability to locations where there were no PMELs or where PMELs were undergoing repairs. The first production model was completed in 1990, just in time to be shipped to Saudi Arabia to help support Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm.
 

This Overview has been a generalization of a few Metrology Accomplishments. Click on the icon below for a sample of specific accomplishments/achievements; more will be provided in the weeks and months ahead. The goal is to add three or four specific examples in intervals of two or three months as material is developed. You are encouraged to visit the site often......and your comments and recommendations are welcome and encouraged.

Metrology Closes Book On TFCU Training

In January 1972 the Directorate of Metrology conducted its last orientation class for Air Force personnel working with Transportable Field Calibration Units ( TFCUs ). Future TFCU training will be conducted by the Air Training Command at Lowry AFB, Colo., as a regularly scheduled course for Precision Measurement Equipment Laboratory ( PMEL ) technicians.

The TFCU program began in 1967 when Metrology personnel designed, engineered, and procured the TFCUs to replace the mobile calibration vans and to provide on-site calibration support to remote sites and bases.

Initially two units were acquired for service testing. The first test was conducted in 1968 at remote communication sites in the Alps mountains in northern Italy with a follow-on test in Vietnam. The tests proved successful.

In the last four years, Metrology has conducted ten training sessions on the TFCU; one was held in Vietnam. Eighty-two PMEL technicians have completed the course.

The TFCU is now used throughout the Air Force to calibrate communication and aircraft system PME at remote sites and bases. Today 52 units are operated at Air Force base PMELs. 

The TFCU consists of working standards and other precision measurement equipment, all installed on shock proof mounts in transportable cases. The working standards are selected for their ability to function within prescribed performance and environmental tolerances without benefit of the PMEL controlled environment.

Along with the completion of the training program at AGMC, Metrology also has procured and distributed its last TFCU. The TFCU responsibility has been transitioned to the item manager ( IM ) at Kelly AFB for supply support.

Reporter:  Chauncey Delaney