This immersive program exposes cadets to manufacturing processes and space launch operations. It includes an introduction to launch vehicles and how they support the U.S. national security space. 

Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) is America’s leading specialty hospital devoted to orthopedics and rheumatology. Its Department of Biomechanics applies principles of engineering and materials science to conduct basic and applied research to develop orthopedic devices and instrumentation aimed at improving patient care. 

Cadets participating in this AIAD are exposed to research and medical practice in a rich clinical and biomedical research environment. Cadets meet with the biomechanics department leaders to identify HSS laboratories in which they can have maximal exposure related to their research interests. Core competencies include, but are not limited to, computational modeling, cadaveric joint simulator testing, implant retrieval analysis, bioreactor systems, tissue/ scaffold testing, motion analysis laboratory, and imaging biomarker assessment. 

Cadets become a members of a research team and work on new or ongoing projects. They have an opportunity for significant hands-on work in addition to clinical and research conferences, and other learning modalities. 

Mechanical Engineering cadets are exposed to multiple aviation, missile, and sensor systems currently being tested as part of the Army acquisition process in this AIAD. 

In week 1, they are introduced to aviation flight test theory and the methodology involved in data collection. Following the theory, the cadets are shown methods of systematically reducing flight test data, ordering the results, and interpreting the data to gain meaningful insight and understanding. To connect theory with practical application, cadets fly in the front seat of an Army rotary wing and back seat of a fixed-wing aircraft to gain experience with test execution and data collection, which will further emphasize the importance of detailed planning, accurate data collection, and intellectual honesty. 

In week 2, cadets travel to the training reservation to see how various aircraft systems are evaluated using real-time data monitoring and collection. Through this process, they begin to understand the challenges of creating realistic scenarios and how these challenges can be overcome through critical thinking and systems engineering. Cadets may fly in the back of a UH-60 or CH-47 to observe the culmination of test preparation, risk mitigation, execution, and flight test AAR. 

In week 3, they see the how Redstone Test Center evaluates missile/sensor systems and how to replicate electromagnetic, environmental, dynamic, and climatic stresses on components using controlled environments at ECTD. Throughout their visit, cadets will receive informal mentorship from the RTC’s military leadership, most of whom are USMA engineering graduates. 

This AIAD offers cadets an opportunity to assist in hybrid manufacturing research involving additive friction stir deposition and CNC machining. They interact with graduate students and other research partners. 

Research areas include process parameter development for 7XXX alloys, measurement, and mitigation of residual stress of additively manufactured parts, and tool path planning of AFSD components. 

Cadets use additive and subtractive processes, record and analyze data, and take measurements using structured light scanning and coordinate measurement machines. 

This AIAD internship focuses on the future of small arms within the military, offering hands-on experience in the design and testing of weapons and weapon attachments. The program provides an in-depth exploration of engineering principles and offers valuable insight into Army acquisition processes.  

Cadets engage in critical problem-solving and apply creative thinking to develop engineering solutions for real-world challenges.