U.S. Air Force Research Lab to Collaborate with Israel’s Ben Gurion University on Aviation Algorithms

The U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) has signed a three-year research agreement to collaborate with Israel’s Ben-Gurion University of the Negev (BGU) on developing algorithms that monitor the health of aviation engines, BGU announced on Sunday.

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AFRL is an Ohio-headquartered research organization established in 1997 by the U.S. Air Force. AFRL focuses on research development and integration of affordable technologies for the U.S. air, space and cyberspace force. It employs 10,000 people in 49 locations worldwide, according to a statement.

BGU is a research university established in 1969 and located in Beer Sheva, a desert town in Israel's south. Earlier this month, BGU launched a $1 million investment fund, for technologies developed and conceived by BGU students and graduates. Jacob Bortman, a professor at BGU, will head the research at the university’s prognostic health monitoring lab. At BGU Mr. Bortman continues the research he began at the Israeli Air Force, developing advanced diagnostic and prognostic algorithms capable of monitoring engine health and predicting the deterioration of materials in order to reduce maintenance costs and minimize the risk of accidents.

Renata Klein, founder and CEO of Israel-based diagnostics company R.K. Diagnostics Ltd. will also take part in the project, according to the announcement.