B-2 Spirit stealth bomber enters the benefield anechoic facility for the first time

The largest anechoic chamber in the world has just been upgraded

By Dario Leone
Jan 5 2021
Share this article

The Benefield Anechoic Facility provides a “virtual open-air range within four walls and ceiling.”

As the interesting video in this post shows, the largest anechoic chamber in the world just got even better.

In fact, according to the US Air Force news release, the Benefield Anechoic Facility (BAF) on Edwards Air Force Base (AFB), California, recently underwent an upgrade to its massive turntable system to ensure they are able to continue to provide unparalleled testing services for the warfighter well into the future.

The BAF provides a “virtual open-air range (OAR) within four walls and ceiling.” It is capable of supporting and handling virtually all Department of Defense (DoD) aircraft, with very few exceptions, to test their radio frequency (RF) systems for wide-ranging EMS installed systems test. The primary purpose the BAF serves is the test and integration of avionics systems in a secure, controlled, and repeatable electromagnetically controlled free-space environment, using state-of-the-art simulation and stimulation technology, that closely duplicates the real combat mission environment.

KC-46 print
This print is available in multiple sizes from AircraftProfilePrints.com – CLICK HERE TO GET YOURS. KC-46A Pegasus 97th AMW, 56th ARS, 17-76028, Altus AFB

At the BAF, the 772 Test Squadron provides comprehensive systems and test engineering applied to the developmental T&E of military and commercial RF systems.

The BAF has a highly sophisticated Combat Electromagnetic Environment Simulator (CEESIM). Virtually any RF threat system or friendly RF emitter can be generated for free-space radiation (or direct injection) – offering the most cost-effective means of testing and validating effectiveness of sophisticated Electronic Warfare (EW)/Information Operations (I/O) systems (RWR, ESM, ECM, ELINT, SIGINT, Radar and other RF systems) against today’s threats and emerging threats not yet available at open-air ranges.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kfu6vz9tKSo

Photo credit: U.S. Air Force


Share this article

Dario Leone

Dario Leone

Dario Leone is an aviation, defense and military writer. He is the Founder and Editor of “The Aviation Geek Club” one of the world’s most read military aviation blogs. His writing has appeared in The National Interest and other news media. He has reported from Europe and flown Super Puma and Cougar helicopters with the Swiss Air Force.

Leave a comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Share this article


Share this article
Share this article

Always up to date! News and offers delivered directly to you!

Get the best aviation news, stories and features from The Aviation Geek Club in our newsletter, delivered straight to your inbox.



    Share this article
    Back to top
    My Agile Privacy
    This website uses technical and profiling cookies. Clicking on "Accept" authorises all profiling cookies. Clicking on "Refuse" or the X will refuse all profiling cookies. By clicking on "Customise" you can select which profiling cookies to activate. We and our selected ad partners can store and/or access information on your device, such as cookies, unique identifiers, browsing data. You can always choose the specific purposes related to profiling by accessing the advertising preferences panel, and you can always withdraw your consent at any time by clicking on "Manage consent" at the bottom of the page.

    List of some possible advertising permissions:

    You can consult: our list of advertising partners, the Cookie Policy and the Privacy Policy.
    Warning: some page functionalities could not work due to your privacy choices