Benefield Anechoic Facility

The Benefield Anechoic Facility (BAF) supports installed systems testing for avionics test programs requiring a large, shielded chamber with radio frequency (RF) absorption capability that simulates free space.


BAF cutaway

The BAF is an ideal ground test facility to investigate and evaluate anomalies associated with EW systems, avionics, tactical missiles and their host platforms. Tactical-sized, single or multiple, or large vehicles can be operated in a controlled electromagnetic (EM) environment with emitters on and sensors stimulated while RF signals are recorded and analyzed. The largest platforms tested at the BAF have been the B-52 and C-17 aircraft. The BAF supports testing of other types of systems such as spacecraft, tanks, satellites, air defense systems, drones and armored vehicles.

The BAF equipment generates RF signals with a wide variety of characteristics, simulating red/blue/gray (unfriendly/friendly/unknown) surface-based, sea-based, and airborne systems. With the combination of signals and control functions available, a wide variety of test conditions can be emulated. Many conditions that are not available on outdoor ranges can be easily generated from the aspect of signal density, pulse density and number of simultaneous types.

Through the use of environmental monitoring systems, an independent agency captures, records, and verifies RF generated signals. These systems have the capabilities for real-time and post-test RF signal parameter measurement, instrument display recording, data analysis and test coordination, as well as providing the data for signal verification.


This C-17 Globemaster III was undergoing testing in the Benefield Anechoic Facility Sept. 8 through 15 for a third round of Electromagnetic Interference and Electromagnetic Compatibility testing.


For the first time ever, an F/A-22 from the Combined Test Force at Edwards sits in the Benefield Anechoic Facility during an electromagnetic compatibility assessment on the aircraft's communications systems. The successful series of tests wrapped up July 16 after testers gathered data to characterize unintentional electromagnetic emissions that are emitted from the aircraft in various operational modes.

12/19/03 EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif.
The Benefield Anechoic Facility was used for the first time as an automobile test bed, when BMW of North America evaluated its 2004 5- and 6-series models at Edwards in early November.


The Benefield Anechoic Facility tested three BMW 2004 models marking the first-ever automobile tested at the facility. From left to right; the 530i, 645i and 545i were in the chamber this November for electromagnetic interference testing.

What began as an online search by BMW for an anechoic test facility, resulted in members from the BAF and BMW teaming up to test levels of electromagnetic interference on the 530i, 545i and debut model, 645i.

"European standards require vehicles to be certified to meet stringent radio frequency emissions limits, and we have to test our cars under a variety of conditions," explained Volker Bochen, BMW senior test engineer.

RF emissions were assessed through electromagnetic interference/electromagnetic compatibility, or EMI/EMC, testing, according to Colin Young, 412th Test Wing Electronics Warfare site chief.

BAF testing measured and evaluated the RF emissions surrounding the cars' antennas, while each car was parked with the ignition switch in three distinct configurations - in the "on," "start" or "engine running" position, according to Young.

"We were able to set up the test, prepare the associated equipment and complete testing on three vehicles [a 530i, a 545i and new 645i]," stated Ed Roush, 412th TW EW test engineer. "All three cars were tested in one day."

The BAF is the world's largest anechoic chamber for testing airborne electronic warfare systems, according to Dr. James Brownlow, 412th TW EW engineering manager.

Capitalizing on the test techniques and capabilities used to evaluate airborne weapon systems, we were able to transition a unique military asset to the commercial sector, said Lt. Col. Lyn McNeely, 412th TW EW director of operations, battlespace operations division.

"Normally, BMW performs anechoic testing in Munich, Germany," Brownlow said, "but BMW read about the BAF, and we were able to accommodate the testing right here at Edwards."

BMW of North America has several offices in California - the Technology Office in Palo Alto, Designworks in Newbury Park and the Engineering and Emission Test Center in Oxnard.

Together these offices make the California Innovation Triangle, according to the BMW Group's Web site, www.bmw.com.

With its proximity to Edwards, BMW may return to the BAF in the future, stated Brownlow.

"They'll probably come back again," said Brownlow. "The results from the BAF were comparable to the anechoic chamber in Munich, and we provided a quick turn-around for testing as well."

so what does the building do in english?

so what does the building do in english?

I thought the CV-22 was scrapped because of serious stability issues in the hover/fly transition.

Can anyone find a pic of an A10 in there for me?

Has anyone got a pic of that B-52 on a spike, I think it's at an airbase near Colorado Springs somewhere.

I thought the CV-22 was scrapped because of serious stability issues in the hover/fly transition.

where is the replacement for the F18, F16 and Harrier we were promised...not yet ready.

^or maybe not fucking being there in the first place...but now that the region has gone to shit...and its your responcibility to fix it...ya...equip your troops better.