Air Force researchers are investigating ways to boost the performance of aerospace mirrors, while cutting in half the cost and time required to manufacture then. And its no wonder! It takes about 2 years and nearly US$ 1M to produce a one-meter, lightweight glass aerospace mirror, according to the AF Research Lab's Materials & Manufacturing Directorate. The MMD has responsibility for developing, producing and maintaining materials used in AF aircraft, missiles, rockets and ground-based military systems. Aerospace mirrors are key components of everything from surveillance and reconnaissance systems to transformational communications networks, directed-energy technology, laser-radar devices and large, high-powered telescopes. Hence MMD's concern with manufacturing these mirrors in the most efficient and cost-effective way.
