The Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) shield was designed to show the historical origins of the unified laboratory, to encompass the broad spectrum of missions, and to point towards the future.

The blue background is symbolic of the United States Air Force (USAF). The primary mission of the AFRL is to support the warfighting needs of the USAF and this background reminds us that we are part of the AF Team.

The 5 stars represent our historical roots in the organizations from which the AFRL was created—Armstrong Lab, Phillips Lab, Rome Lab, Wright Lab, and the Air Force Office of Scientific Research—and which collectively establish the AFRL as a world leader in all Air Force-relevant technologies. The guiding star at the top signifies the greatness we can achieve.

In the center of the shield is a craft formed in the shape of a three-dimensional triangle. The triangular symbol represents a marriage of aircraft, missile, and spacecraft. The craft is silver and white in color to give the impression of quick flight and straightforward in design to highlight the constant and steady advances enabled by our research and development. The craft is pointing to the heavens as it rolls back the night. Thus through research and development, the light of understanding replaces the darkness of ignorance.

Finally, the shield is simple. The uncluttered nature allows both AFRL members and outside associates to easily recognize and remember the shield. Its simplicity also reminds us that all technologies, capabilities, and systems--no matter how powerful or complex--started from fundamental research in a laboratory.