September 21, 2026
History
AEDC at 75: Eight days after acceptance, J-5 roared to life
Eight days. That was all the time that passed between the Air Force accepting two new rocket test cells at Arnold Engineering Development Center and one of them roaring to life for the first time. On Dec. 11, 1963, the Air Force formally accepted the J-4 and J-5 rocket test cells. On Dec. 19, the first rocket motor was fired in J-5.
AEDC at 75: Air Force turns over compressor facility
BRAD HICKS AEDC Contributor The reins of the largest single Arnold Engineering Development Center unit completed up to that point were handed to the Center’s… Login to continue reading Login…
AEDC at 75: The first engine test that confirmed AEDC’s mission
DIAMOND BROWN AEDC Contributor When a General Electric J-47 turbojet engine thundered to life inside Arnold Engineering Development Center’s Engine Test Facility on May 3,… Login to continue reading Login…
AEDC at 75: Arnold’s Vision Behind the Complex
DIAMOND BROWN AEDC Contributor As Arnold Engineering Development Complex celebrates 75 years of advancing aerospace innovation and national defense, it also honors the pioneering leader… Login to continue reading Login…
AEDC at 75: Von Kármán leads Air Force toward new horizons
DIAMOND BROWN AEDC Contributor When asked, “What is the future of air power and aerial warfare?” Theodore von Kármán not only rose to the occasion… Login to continue reading Login…
AEDC at 75: Test facility development proceeds
BRAD HICKS AEDC Contributor Following the June 1951 dedication of the Arnold Engineering Development Center, construction on three major test facilities continued. At different points… Login to continue reading Login…
AEDC at 75: Wattendorf recommendation leads to AEDC creation
BRAD HICKS AEDC Contributor Frank Wattendorf wanted to pass the time. During a lengthy flight from Europe to the U.S., the American scientist reflected on… Login to continue reading Login…
AEDC at 75: Schriever champions Air Force research and development
BRAD HICKS AEDC Contributor Gen. Bernard A. Schriever frequently visited Arnold Engineering Development Center during its early years. As such, Schriever, referred to in the… Login to continue reading Login…
AEDC at 75: AEDC studies academic partnerships
BRAD HICKS AEDC Contributor Even before the Arnold Engineering Development Center was dedicated in June 1951, partnerships between the new center and academia were being… Login to continue reading Login…
Community gathers to celebrate Juneteenth
It was a celebration of history and culture at Jefferson Street Park Friday as Tullahoma Parks and Recreation hosted its Juneteenth Celebration event this past… Login to continue reading Login…