New flight center takes off Published May 27, 2015 By JoAnne Castagna U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, New York District LAKEHURST, N.J. -- In the skies somewhere above the Middle East, several Black Hawk helicopters hover. Their doors open and American service members exit and swiftly descend by rope to the ground. They move in on high value targets of interest and confiscate their weapons, ammunition and intelligence. What helped to make this mission a success was the fast rope system installed on the Blackhawks by the Flight Activity Center that is part of the Communications Electronics Research, Development and Engineering Center (CERDEC) here. In order for the center to continue to create these much-needed technologies, they realized they had to upgrade their facilities to match the challenges being presented during their missions. As a result, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, New York District is constructing a new energy-efficient, multi-purpose complex allowing the center to continue their mission while simultaneously saving the base and taxpayers considerable money. The pre-Wolrd War II-era facility was unsafe, inefficient and costly to maintain. The new 107,000-square- foot facility will include high- and low-bay hangars, aircraft parking apron, maintenance shops, administrative offices, a fixed-wing taxiway and rotary-wing landing pad. Paul Jalowski, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers - New York District project manager said, "What makes this complex unique is that it will be using energy saving measures that will certify the complex as Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Silver." One of the many energy saving initiatives being incorporated into the building, geothermal energy takes naturally occurring heat from underground and harnesses it to heat and cool the structure. "This will reduce the complex's energy consumption by approximately 44 percent and save the base and taxpayers approximately $150,000 annually," said Jalowski. The new complex will be completed in winter of 2016. The center is at the forefront of aviation technology. Its goal is to keep service members safe in the sky. The center provides end-to-end aviation support in partnership with Defense Department agencies, members of industry and academia. They research, test and evaluate technologies enabling pilots to promptly receive information while in flight and react appropriately. Technologies include various infrared counter measures, intelligence sensor and radar systems. Additionally, the center performs post-production aircraft modifications, like the Black Hawk's fast rope system. Flight tests are performed by their team of combat experienced pilots. "As the guy who's been on the ground in Iraq and Afghanistan in a different role, you never really know what goes on behind the scenes to have the products and things you need to help you protect your Soldiers, save lives and execute your mission," said Col. Paul Owen, New York District commander.