GTRI’s Warner Robins Field Office extends Georgia Tech’s applied research capabilities into the Middle Georgia Innovation Corridor
Universities and research organizations across Georgia’s aerospace and defense industry help address complex technical challenges facing both government and industry. One of the state’s largest contributors to that work is the Georgia Tech Research Institute (GTRI), the applied research arm of the Georgia Institute of Technology.
The Georgia Tech Research Institute (GTRI) has been known for advancing electronic warfare (EW) since the 1950s, 60s and 70s. Notable examples include millimeter wave technologies now widely used in the national security industry, the compact test range widely used for evaluating targets and antennas, the FalconView mapping system now used by all branches of the military, and the many aspects of the Angry Kitten electronic warfare system all came out of Georgia Tech and GTRI research laboratories.
Connecting Research to Robins Air Force Base Missions
GTRI’s main location is on or near the Georgia Tech campus in Atlanta Georgia, but GTRI has a significant presence in Middle Georgia. GTRI’s Warner Robins Field Office (WRFO) employs about 60 researchers, staff, and student interns who work together to enhance the capabilities of Robins Air Force Base, a significant economic engine for the Middle Georgia region.
WRFO researchers work in the areas of electronic warfare; aircraft electronics upgrades; intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR); cybersecurity, software development and systems engineering. GTRI personnel at the WRFO have made significant contributions to GTRI’s EW advancements, by partnering with GTRI researchers in Atlanta and with Department of War (DoW) personnel at Robins AFB to support many EW development and upgrade projects, including:
- The Angry Kitten Electronic Attack Pod, which utilizes advanced sensing and attack techniques to combat the most modern sensor systems. Several versions of the Angry Kitten technology are utilized across the DoW.
- The ALE-47 Electronic Countermeasures Dispensing System, which deploys chaff, flares and other countermeasures to protect military aircraft from incoming radar and infrared-guided missiles.
- Pilot Vehicle Interface (PVI) Trainer, a simulation system that complements training missions in real aircraft by providing access to on-the-ground training.
- EW Integrated Support Stations that allow Robins AFB personnel and partner nations to test EW equipment in a laboratory environment capable of simulating an aircraft flight environment.
- System Security Engineering assists Robins AFB personnel in developing and maintaining cyber compliance for many avionics systems.
The Pilot Vehicle Interface (PVI) Trainer can run on ordinary tablet computers to enhance existing electronic warfare (EW) instruction for the crews of U.S. air mobility aircraft. Photo credit: GTRI
“The Georgia Tech Research Institute’s (GTRI) Warner Robins Field Office provides direct support and on-site liaison between Robins Air Force Base and GTRI’s main research facilities in the Atlanta area,” said Lee Evans, manager of the GTRI Warner Robins Field Office. “Beyond immediate reaction to Robins AFB customer needs in national security and other technical areas, the Warner Robins Field Office helps advance the economic development of the middle Georgia area through professional development courses and STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) student internships.”
The Warner Robins Field Office has earned national recognition for its work. In 2023, the team received a top security award honoring its excellence in safeguarding sensitive information and maintaining rigorous standards for secure research environments. The recognition placed the Warner Robins office among the top-performing teams selected from approximately 12,500 facilities approved for classified research.
Building the Next Generation of Talent
GTRI invests in workforce development through programs such as STEM@GTRI and the Georgia Tech Research Internship Program (GRIP). These initiatives give students opportunities to work alongside engineers and researchers while gaining hands-on experience with real-world technical challenges.
Recent internship projects connected to the Warner Robins Field Office explored emerging operational technologies developed and tested to support mission environments.
Students engaged in real-world STEM experiences through GTRI’s outreach programs, building skills that inspire the next generation of innovators. Photo credit: GTRI.
Supporting Aerospace and Defense in the Innovation Corridor
GTRI’s presence in Warner Robins brings together research expertise, operational missions, and workforce development in the Middle Georgia Innovation Corridor. By connecting Georgia Tech’s research capabilities with the needs of Robins Air Force Base, the Warner Robins Field Office helps strengthen Georgia’s aerospace and defense industry.
Learn more about GTRI’s recent work in its 2025 Annual Report.
Photo Credits: Georgia Tech Research Institute, Georgia Institute of Technology. All imagery sourced from www.gtri.gatech.edu.
