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Kenneth E. Eichman translated his talent for problem solving and creative thinking into a distinguished career in the United States Air Force. The retired lieutenant general served for 35 years and completed 22 active duty tours. That includes becoming the commander of the Air Systems Center at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Ohio, the nation’s largest center of excellence in aircraft research, development and acquisition. equipment and ammunition.
Eichman, who graduated from the University of Texas in 1967 with a degree in mechanical engineering, dedicated his career to maintaining reliability and performance in all aspects of defending our nation.
“We provided the best training, the best weapons systems, the best intelligence, everything, so our pilots had the best equipment in the world,” Eichman said.
After completing his undergraduate studies at the University of Texas, Eichman was commissioned by the Air Force ROTC program and immediately attended the Air Force Institute of Technology, where he earned a master’s degree in systems engineering.
“I was ready to work as an engineer. I definitely didn’t want to go back to school, but you never know what your first assignment will be,” Eichman said.
Eichman’s philosophy was to do his best in any given mission, work hard, and help the U.S. Air Force remain the most respected air and space force in the world. His second assignment was a three-year appointment as an instructor in maintenance analysis. Eichman embraced the opportunity to become a better engineer by teaching others how to think and solve problems. His next 20 assignments expanded into logistics and leadership roles such as executive officer and chief of staff, but his approach was primarily that of an engineer.
“We looked at all sides of the issue,” Eichman said. “We looked at ways to reduce costs and determine what was going on in the situation so we could fix or improve the problem.”
This includes everything from figuring out the cause of engine misfires in Air Force single-engine fighter jets, a puzzling and dangerous problem that pilots were encountering at high altitude but that Eickman engineers couldn’t reproduce on the ground. This included everything from resolving supply and maintenance issues associated with the project. aircraft fleet.
While serving as commander of the Oklahoma Air Logistics Center, the largest military-industrial complex in the United States, Eichman played a key role in rescue and recovery efforts following the Oklahoma City bombing. He also began fostering cooperative research and development agreements with civilian organizations to share knowledge, expertise, and resources to develop materials useful to both military personnel and the general public. Projects include improving the lifespan of prosthetic limbs, using F-22 material to strengthen public bridges while reducing F-22 costs, and working with a scratch-resistant sunglasses manufacturer to protect desert environments. This includes making aircraft canopies more resistant to sand erosion.
“We have put a lot of effort and effort into properly managing the funds and resources that we receive from taxpayer dollars,” Eichman said.
After his Air Force career, Eickman returned to UT and led the creation of the University of Texas Center for Energy Security. In that role, working with the Air Force and the Department of Defense, Eickman chaired three National Academy of Sciences and National Research Council committees focused on energy efficiency. A member of UT’s Mechanical Engineering Academy of Distinguished Alumni, Eickman is recognized as one of the nation’s leading experts in energy and propulsion technology.
Eichman is currently a senior research fellow in UT’s Center for Electromechanics. His efforts are focused on matching the Department of Defense’s technology needs with UT’s vast research capabilities.
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