Robert L. Rapson

Chief Engineer, AFRL/RX

BS, Mechanical Engineering, Virginia Polytechnic Institute

MS, Materials Engineering, Air Force Institute of Technology

Current Position. Emphasis on applying systems engineering principles to the laboratory. Leading a small team that is developing tailored systems engineering processes and conducting selected studies of laboratory activities where systems engineering can be applied advantageously. Also member of the RX Executive Group, Air Force member and chair of the Reliance 21 Materials and Processes Community of Interest, and Air Force liaison to the National Materials Advisory Board of the National Research Council.

Prior Assignments. Strong emphasis on development of structural and propulsion materials, including Chief of the Nonmetallic Materials Division, AFRL/RXB, and Chief of the Metals, Ceramics, and Nondestructive Evaluation Division, AFRL/RXL. Systems experience in aircraft, boosters, and spacecraft, and related propulsion.

Active Duty. Six years active duty, US Air Force