Nondestructive Evaluation Technology Initiatives Program II (NTIP II). Delivery Order 10, Task 010-015: In Search of Excellence - An Historical Review

: This report provides a brief historical account of the organization evolution, the research and development activities, and the important technology contributions made by the Nondestructive Evaluation Branch of the Air Force Research Laboratory?s (AFRL) Materials and Manufacturing Directorate (ML) and predecessor organizations. Its purpose is to bring attention to and document a remarkable legacy of people, vision and accomplishment. It tells the story of the early beginnings in 1919 at McCook Field in Dayton, Ohio along with many of the subsequent advances in Nondestructive Evaluation (NDE) science and engineering made by the men and women of the ML NDE Research and Development Program spanning over 8 decades of service. This report covers the NDE organization evolution; timeline of the people who served; notable events that influenced the national awareness and the growth of the NDE Program; the more significant NDE developments that impacted the AF; key NDE Program partnerships; and other important NDE topics. This brief history is important to the understanding of the significance of past developments and the dedication of many inventive Air Force technologists who helped pave the way to today's innovations and their positive impact on the safety and reliability of both aeronautical and space assets.