Senior Air Force science exec visits Edwards rocket lab

by Kenji Thuloweit
412th Test Wing Public Affairs

9/30/2015 - EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Dr. David E. Walker visited the Air Force Research Laboratory facilities here Sept. 23, 2015.

Walker is a member of the Senior Executive Service and is responsible for all science and technology for the U.S. Air Force. This includes preparing policy, guidance, and advocacy for the Air Force's annual $2 billion science and technology program. Walker provides annual testimony to Congress, technical advice and counsel to the Air Force Acquisition executive, and the Air Force's science and technology recommendations to the Office of the Secretary of Defense.

Walker received updates on technology efforts in a variety of AFRL areas. He visited several in-house facilities supporting booster developments for a High Speed Strike Weapon, Hydrocarbon Booster engine development risk reduction and future tactical and strategic missile systems development supporting the Ground Based Strategic Deterrence, which will replace the current Minuteman III Intercontinental Ballistic Missile.

Other updates provided to Walker involved technologies to increase the range or throw weight of missiles by using newly developed composite rocket motor cases, improved insulation and nozzles, and new rocket propellants.

According to AFRL, since 2000, its Rocket Propulsion Division has seen more than 170 applications and transitions of its technology to government and commercial systems and has supported more than 30 research and development, and test and evaluation activities.

Walker is also responsible for overseeing a broad range of engineering and technical management policy spanning systems engineering; environmental safety and occupational health; industrial preparedness; and functional management of more than 14,000 military and civilian scientists and engineers.

He is a retired Air Force officer and graduate of the U.S. Air Force Test Pilot School located at Edwards.