The 578-foot facility uses a steel-pipe design with a graphite interior to support high-force, repeatable testing for infrared countermeasures. By shifting evaluation from expensive flight hours to controlled ground runs, the Navy expects to save $1.7 million annually. These efficiencies allow for rapid iteration of designs before they ever reach a manned aircraft, directly improving safety for aircrews flying platforms such as the F-35, F/A-18, F-16, MH-60, and C-130.
Indiana's New Mach 1 Sled Track Accelerates Defense Testing
At Camp Atterbury, the U.S. Navy and the Indiana National Guard have launched the nation’s first ground-based sled track capable of reaching Mach 1. This high-speed facility allows engineers to replicate extreme flight conditions on the ground, aiming to fast-track countermeasure development while significantly cutting annual testing expenses.
Dr. Angela Lewis, Technical Director at NSWC Crane, described the track as a transformative tool for engineering teams, enabling them to deliver mature, reliable systems to the fleet in a fraction of the traditional timeline. The project reflects a broader push to modernize defense infrastructure through state-level partnerships, a point emphasized by Indiana Governor Mike Braun and Representative Erin Houchin during the ribbon-cutting ceremony. Beyond streamlining development, the facility provides advanced imaging instrumentation to capture real-time performance data, ensuring that only the most resilient technology reaches the modern battlefield.
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