#United States #Oklahoma #Biosecurity #AeroClave #JBADS Lite

AeroClave Achieves Breakthrough Biosecurity Operation at Tinker Air Force Base

AeroClave LLC, a prominent player in biodefense and biosecurity technologies, has announced a notable achievement with the successful deployment of its Joint Biological Agent Decontamination System (JBADS) Lite at Tinker Air Force Base in Oklahoma. This operation represents a pivotal moment in operational biosecurity, as it effectively eradicated harmful black mold contamination from two E-3 Sentry AWACS aircraft. This accomplishment not only safeguards the health of aircrew and maintenance staff but also preserves the essential capabilities of airborne early warning and control for the United States Air Force.

The deployment of JBADS Lite at Tinker AFB highlights AeroClave's distinctive ability to provide rapid decontamination solutions that are integrated with aircraft systems, utilizing cutting-edge biothermal decontamination (BTD) technology.

Dr. Ronald Brown, CEO of AeroClave, noted, “The successful JBADS Lite deployment at Tinker AFB is more than a win for AeroClave; it marks a significant advancement in operational readiness and protection for our forces. We are proud to collaborate with the U.S. Air Force and the Joint Project Executive Office for Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear Defense (JPEO-CBRND) to tackle ongoing biological threats swiftly and efficiently.”

Mission Overview

The JBADS Lite system was utilized to disinfect the interiors, airframe tails, and rotodomes of the E-3 Sentry aircraft, which were affected by black mold. This form of mold had infiltrated the ductwork, structural cavities, and critical electronics compartments of the aircraft, warranting a solution capable of navigating the complex geometry of the airframe without disassembling it or employing corrosive substances.

The AeroClave team managed controlled internal environments through a sophisticated system of precisely directed hot, humid air. The conditions inside the aircraft were continuously monitored by a network of distributed sensors that logged temperature and humidity data every ten seconds, ensuring compliance with the decontamination parameters. A post-mission analysis confirmed that all mission objectives were achieved without complications.

JBADS Lite builds upon the legacy of AeroClave’s full-scale JBADS system, which was initially designed for simultaneous interior and exterior decontamination of C-130 aircraft. This modular approach focuses on interior applications, proving its versatility in previous projects involving decommissioned C-130s and even a C-17 aircraft at various Air Force bases over the past decade.

For this particular operation at Tinker AFB, AeroClave's experts custom-fabricated sealed duct interfaces on-site to accommodate the unique configurations of the E-3 airframe, including its rotodome, which serves as a crucial radar and sensor platform. The maneuver was executed under full coordination with the E-3 Sentry System Program Office and Wing maintenance teams, and carried out under the watchful guidance of the Joint Project Manager for Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear Protection (JPM CBRN Protection).

The triumph of the JBADS Lite deployment at Tinker AFB sets a significant precedent for extending its applications to various airframe types and operational environments in the future.

About AeroClave, LLC

AeroClave LLC is committed to protecting public health through innovation in decontamination technologies designed for military, emergency response, aviation, and healthcare uses. From addressing pandemic challenges on the front lines to safeguarding critical aircraft assets, AeroClave is continuously revolutionizing the landscape of biodefense solutions.

For further information, please contact:
Ryan Brown
Director of Government Relations
Email: [email protected]