HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. -- Air Force Special Operations Command continues to champion innovation with its third annual Thunder Dome Innovation Competition scheduled this fall. Beyond the competition, the program’s success is measured by the real-world impact of its funded projects.
Every year, the competition solicits project submissions from Airmen across the AFSOC enterprise that can positively benefit readiness. Once reviewed, senior leaders select the teams with the best proposals to present in front of a judging panel. The command awards the winners with funding to develop their concepts into tangible solutions.
As we prepare for the next Thunder Dome competition, here’s a look at the progress of past winners and their ongoing projects:
From Prototype to Production: The LaraCota Comm Cord Tester
Funded through the 2024 Thunder Dome competition, the LaraCota Comm Cord Tester introduced by a member of the 27th Special Operations Wing, progressed from prototype to mass production upon additional evaluation at Cannon Air Force Base, New Mexico.
K-RATH: A Collaborative Approach to Innovation
K-RATH, developed by the 492nd SOW, received an initial Thunder Dome award for prototype development. Further funding secured collaborations with Michigan Technological University students for engineering testing and product design by Nottingham Spirk, with support from the Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Acquisition, Technology and Logistics. The next stage for the project is further prototype development.
Enhancing Training Capabilities: The Electrical Training Board and Specialized Fueling Trainer
The 2025 Thunder Dome competition funded two projects focused on training. The 353rd SOW at Yokota Air Base received an investment to develop an Electrical Training Board, coordinating with Air Education and Training Command; while the 492nd SOW was awarded funding for a Specialized Fueling Trainer, currently under further prototype development with SOFWERX.
These featured innovations offer just a glimpse into the outcomes of the Thunder Dome competition. By empowering Air Commandos with funding, resources, and a platform to share ideas, AFSOC fosters a culture of continuous improvement with its annual Thunder Dome program.
The 2026 competition is open to any member within AFSOC and all submissions received by September 5, 2025, will be considered. Read here for submission details.