Students from the University of Hartford’s College of Engineering, Technology, and Architecture (CETA) recently visited the 104th Fighter Wing at Barnes Air National Guard Base in Westfield, Massachusetts.
Accompanied by Dr. Rudy Al Ahmar, assistant professor of aerospace engineering, the group included aerospace and mechanical engineering students from freshmen to seniors. The visit gave students an opportunity to learn more about modern military aviation and see firsthand some of the engineering behind today's advanced aircraft.
The 104th Fighter Wing recently transitioned from the F-15 Eagle to the F-35A Lightning II. During the visit, students met with an F-35 pilot, attended a presentation on the aircraft and its capabilities, and learned about its advanced helmet-mounted display system, which provides pilots with critical flight information. The highlight of the trip was a visit to the flight line, where students watched four F-35s taxi, take off, and perform several low-altitude passes.
The experience gave students a chance to connect what they learn in the classroom with real-world engineering applications. Seeing the capabilities of modern fighter aircraft up close also offered a glimpse into what is possible in aerospace engineering and the kinds of technologies they may one day help develop.