Kenneth “Steve” Van Allen, Flight Test Lead with the Apache Sensors Product Office, was recently announced as the National Defense Industrial Association Tester of the Year in the Contractor category. He will be recognized at the Annual Test and Evaluation Conference awards luncheon, March 14, 2012 at the Hilton Head Island in South Carolina.

Van Allen is responsible for testing the newly designed Electronic Image Intensification camera. He leads a team of approximately 20 pilots, engineers, downrange target technicians, and ground crews to ensure that the AH-64 Apache Attack Helicopter, the instrumentation, and the computer systems are performing optimally. The type of testing Allen and his team perform are typically completed at night between 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. to ensure that the optimal night time light conditions are achieved.

“I am honored by the recognition of the test community for our efforts in Apache Sensors,” said Van Allen. “As the Flight Test lead I recognize that it is the unique composition of the entire Sensor’s Team and their efforts that have enabled me to win this award. This award acknowledges events for which I was the visible member of the team but in actuality were the accomplishments of a dedicated group of highly skilled individuals. I look forward to continuing this task and appreciate the recognition of the army and NDIA.”

Van Allen’s achievements have directly benefited our warfighters, helping to prove how well the system works before placing them in the hands of the soldiers. His efforts is instrumental in providing our soldiers with exceptional operational capability and secures that Apache’s role as the most lethal attack helicopter in the world.