New AFRL chamber to enhance human, equipment performance in extreme environments

The Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony and open house for the new Research Environmental Chamber (REC), May 27, 2025. The capability, part of AFRL’s Human Effectiveness Directorate, facilitates equipment and human performance evaluations with control over environmental extremes as well as close observation of subjects.

 

“The REC is a critical addition to AFRL's research capabilities and a key Department of Defense resource,” said Brig. Gen. Robert K. Bogart, 711th Human Performance Wing commander. “This state-of-the-art chamber allows us to rigorously test both equipment and human performance, ensuring we're prepared for the challenges of the future fight, wherever it may lead us.

 

The REC allows researchers to simulate a wide range of conditions, including temperatures from minus 60 to 130 degrees Fahrenheit and humidity levels from 10% to 95%. The chamber accommodates up to four people and can simulate rain at a rate of 4 inches per hour.

 

 

Heavy equipment can be tested in the REC with the floor and entry rated for 600 pounds per square foot. The chamber’s stainless steel interior features a removable chemical distribution chamber, access ports for wires, tubing, cables and grated floors. An antechamber prevents disruptions in the test environment by serving as a buffer between the entrance and the main chamber.

 

“The REC will allow researchers to simulate deployed conditions within a controlled laboratory setting, generating critical data to inform warfighter monitoring, operational guidance and the development of risk mitigation tools,” Schwanekamp-Kerr said.

 

The addition of the REC reflects AFRL’s broader mission to ensure the long-term readiness and resilience of U.S. research capabilities.

 

“A critical mission for AFRL is maintaining our nation’s science and technology research infrastructure for air and space,” Air Force Research Laboratory Commander Brig. Gen. Jason E. Bartolomei said. “This facility plays an important role in that effort.”
 

The REC joins AFRL’s Research Altitude Chamber, centrifuge, Naval Medical Research Unit-Dayton’s Kraken and Darwin Chamber to expand Wright-Patterson Air Force Base’s comprehensive hub for physiology research.

“These facilities provide unique capabilities for evaluating human and equipment performance under a variety of stressors,” said Dr. Gaurav Sharma, chief scientist of the 711th Human Performance Wing. "Our scientists and engineers are conducting cutting-edge research in these controlled environments to optimize human performance and equipment effectiveness, benefiting Airmen and Guardians in challenging operational settings like the Arctic and Pacific."

 

Research conducted in the REC will focus on evaluating the impact of extreme temperatures, humidity, rain and dust on both human and equipment performance. The AFRL team evaluates customers’ test plans, helping to identify their research needs and requirements.

 

“This concentration of specialized facilities underscores a continued commitment to groundbreaking advancements and innovation, a testament to the historical legacy of innovation exemplified by the Wright brothers and their groundbreaking achievements right here in Dayton,” said Dr. William Erwin, chief of AFRL’s Force Health Protection research section.

 

Scientists can precisely control conditions and monitor subjects in real-time, leading to more accurate and reliable results. The chamber also supports studies involving personal protective equipment and high-workload tasks in simulated extreme environments.
 

“A significant focus area will be testing chemical and environmental sensors,” said Schwanekamp-Kerr. “It’s about ensuring that your sensors are going to work where you want to send them before you ship equipment to a deployed environment.”

 

The new research capability will benefit a variety of military, academic and industry customers. AFRL researchers and support staff will facilitate chamber operation and consult on study design. Researchers can inquire about the REC and submit test plans by emailing the team at 711HPW.RHBA.ResearchEnvironment@us.af.mil.

 

AFRL’s Human Effectiveness Directorate is part of the 711th Human Performance Wing, a unique combination of two mission units. While the Human Effectiveness Directorate is science- and technology-focused, the U.S. Air Force School of Aerospace Medicine is a center for aerospace medical learning, consultation, medical investigations and aircrew health assessments. This synergy of research and development with aerospace medical expertise helps ensure Airmen and Guardians are available, ready and performing at their peak.

 

The Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) is the primary scientific research and development center for the Department of the Air Force. AFRL plays an integral role in leading the discovery, development and integration of affordable warfighting technologies for our air, space and cyberspace force. With a workforce of more than 12,500 across nine technology areas and 40 other operations across the globe, AFRL provides a diverse portfolio of science and technology ranging from fundamental to advanced research and technology development. For more information, visit www.afresearchlab.com.