Page 1 - Aerotech News and Review – March 2024

AEROTECH NEWS
AEROTECH NEWS
Journal of Aerospace, Defense Industry and Veteran News
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Bjorkman retires as AFTC executive director
Courtesy Photo Dr. Eileen Bjorkm an is celebrated at her retirement ceremony on Jan. 3 1, 2024, at Edwards Air Force Base, Calif. From left: Maj. G en. Evan C. Dertien, Air Force Test Center commander, Bjorkm an
and Chief Master Sergeant Timothy W
By Tech. Sgt. Robert Cloys
Air Force Test Center
ED WARD S AIR FORCE BASE, Cali f . —
After a distinguished career spanning over four decades, Dr. E ileen A. Bjorkman, a prominent member of the Senior E xecutive Service, retired as the E xecutive Director of the Air Force Test Center at E dwards Air Force Base, Calif., Jan. 31,2024.
Bjorkman’s remarkable journey in the U.S. Air Force began when she was commissioned through Officer Training School in 1980. Grow- ing up without a clear career path, she initially majored in engineering at the University of Washington in Seattle before switching to com- puter science. It was during this time that she encountered an Air Force recruitment oppor- tunity on campus, leading her to explore a ca- reer in the military. Her decision to join the Air Force was influenced by evolving opportunities for women in the military. Her father’s retire- ment as a lieutenant colonel in 197􏰀 provided a connection, and she decided to explore the pos- sibilities it offered.
Bjorkman’s career trajectory within the Air Force showcased her adaptability and resilience.
ieser, AFTC command chief.
Initially considering navigator training due to poor eyesight, she pivoted towards becoming a flight test engineer after learning about the op- portunity at the Air Force Institute of Technol- ogy.
􏰁y 198􏰂, 􏰁􏰃orkman was helping to finish up the F􏰄1􏰂 Fighting Falcon LANTIRN 􏰅Low Altitude Navigation and Targeting Infrared for Night􏰆 program as the lead flight test engineer. Her work alongside the team at the CTF pro- vided a capability to the CAF that hadn’t been achieved before 􏰇 the ability to fly at night, under the weather, and deliver precision-guided munitions on a routine basis; a legacy she is proud to leave behind.
Later, 􏰁􏰃orkman would find herself as the flight test manager for the C􏰄17 Globemaster as it worked toward the achievement of its first flight, another achievement she would look back on roughly 3 0 years later as the massive air- craft performed humanitarian missions during the withdrawal in Afghanistan.
Reflecting on challenges early in her career, 􏰁􏰃orkman emphasized the lack of a well􏰄defined career path for flight test engineers at the time. Her achievements not only broke barriers for women but also paved the way for flight test
engineers in general.
As the “crown jewel” of both her military
and civilian endeavors Bjorkman pointed to her work with the Joint Simulation E nvironment. From the evolution of the concept, starting in theearly2 0 0 0 s,sheandagroupofothersen- visioned a virtual test range to enhance testing capabilities using simulators.
Despite initial technological limitations and modest funding, persistence and teamwork eventually brought the project to fruition as technological potential aligned with evolving needs. JSE stands as a testament to the impor- tance of pushing innovative ideas and adapting to changing requirements in the aerospace in- dustry.
Bjorkman’s contributions extended beyond her military service. She played a key role in de- signing and installing E dwards Air Force Base’s first computer network in 1988. Additionally, her involvement in preserving Air Force heri- tage was evident in her support for the museum at E dwards AFB, emphasizing the importance of remembering the achievements that shaped the Air Force’s technological advancements.
Beyond the myriad milestones and accom-
See BJORKMAN, Page 10
Air Force Test Center Public Affairs
Air Force Test Center Executive Director, Dr. Eileen Bjorkm an, works in the test control room as the data processing branch chief at the U.S. Air Force Test Pilot School, Edwards AFB, Calif., 198 9. Bjork man graduated USAF TPS in June 198 6.
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