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KBRwyle's Photo Chase Team Helps U.S. Military See Aircraft through a Different LensImagine knowing that you are about to capture a moment in aviation history and it is your responsibility to document the milestone for historical reference. That's the scenario for KBRwyle flight photographers Erik Hildebrandt, Liz Wolter and Scott Dworkin each time they take off on a mission to capture images from the cockpit of a U.S. military aircraft.

Whether it is capturing the final flight of the X-47B Iron Raven as it becomes the first unmanned aircraft to autonomously refuel in the air, or documenting the first time an aircraft launches from an aircraft carrier using the U.S. Navy's Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System (EMALS), the KBRwyle Photo Chase Team of in-flight photographers have been on hand to record it.The most exciting part of my job is not only witnessing history but being responsible for recording it," said Wolter.

With decades of airborne imaging experience, the team reliably serves the military and flight test communities by providing an added dimension to traditional flight test data. Their visual records deliver unique engineering insight and enable test teams and program sponsors to "see" and communicate test results. Their work also captures information about the operational effectiveness of systems from an unusual perspective. The team's high-quality photographs and videos are commonly used for military data and engineering analysis, visual records, and public affairs efforts.

"Our team possesses unique qualifications and capabilities that are no longer maintained organically by our military customers. That means when a test team requires photo chase, KBRwyle is the go-to solution to provide the images our customers must have to capture the results of a test," said Hildebrandt.

"Our primary job is to help customers ensure their systems are mission ready," says Wolter. "When a new piece of equipment is introduced to an aircraft or aircraft system is being evaluated, the team's photos and videos capture flight tests in a way that written words cannot."

As part of KBRwyle's 85 person flight test organization, their professional airborne and ground-based photography includes logistical project planning, imagery and end-product delivery for aerial, water, and ground testing missions. This includes rapid and secure digital delivery of the photographic data. Depending on mission complexity and format requirements, they can deliver initial edits in 24 hours.

Wolter finds it incredibly rewarding to work with her customers to help them meet their testing requirements and feels grateful to have such a thrilling job."I am an adrenaline junkie so flight test air-to-air photography is quite honestly one of the best jobs that I could have ever landed," said Wolter.

Hildebrandt also loves the excitement and challenge that his job brings."No one else can help me capture the test point in that fraction of a second, which is the whole purpose of the flight. I love the pressure, and I thrive in that moment," said Hildebrandt.

The team has supported missions on a variety of aircraft platforms including the F/A-18F, EA-18G, MV-22B and MH-60S. Their work has been featured in well-known magazines, such as Wolter's photo of the X-47B that appeared on the cover ofAviation Week & Space Technology and Hildebrandt's F/A-18F photo featured in Business Insider's "The 50 most incredible photos of the US military in 2017."

Hildebrandt says the thrill he felt before his first mission is still just as exciting today."I'm proud to be a part of the KBRwyle flight test team," says Hildebrandt. "I have had the privilege to fly on some of the world's most incredible aircraft and each project I work on is an exhilarating and rewarding experience."