The mission of the Arnold Engineering Development Center (AEDC) is to support the development of aerospace systems by testing hardware in facilities that simulate flight conditions. The center also conducts a research and technology program to develop advanced test techniques and instrumentation and to support the design of new test facilities.
AEDC has contributed to the development of nearly every national aerospace program since the 1950s.
The center operates 53 aerodynamic and propulsion wind tunnels, rocket motor and turbine engine test cells, space environmental chambers, arc heaters, ballistic ranges and other specialized units. More than 13 of the center's units have capabilities unmatched anywhere else in the world. The test facilities here can simulate flight conditions from sea level to level to space and from subsonic speeds to well over mach 20.
Customers include in U.S. Air Force, Army, and Navy, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, the Federal Aviation Administration, private industry, allied foreign governments, and U.S. government and educational institutions. AEDC is not a typical military installation. The base is almost 40,000 acres, with a 4,000-acre lake. Military family housing has only 40 units for married/accompanied military personnel. It hosts no flying units and the number of assigned military personnel and government civilian employees is about 10 percent of the base's work force.
AEDC is the only active-duty Air Force Base in Tennessee, and the largest employer in the local area. The base provides more than a $400 million boost to the Middle Tennssee economy. Approximatley 300 Air Force and Navy military and civilian personnel are assigned to AEDC, and make up only a small percentage of the 2,900 total work force.
AEDC is one of the Air Force's best-kept secrets. It is a great place for both work and recreation. The base is nestled in the middle of a wildlife area and base housing overlooks Woods Reservoir, a huge man-made lake that supports the base test operations and is home to a variety of wildlife. The surrounding area is mountainous with plenty of State Parks that cater to all the needs of the great outdoorsman.
Note: If you would like a sponsor, be sure to request this when you fill out your assignment rip. Your relocations counselor will assist you with as well.