27 Mar 2019

Joint test effort augments Navy, USMC F-35 night refueling

The F-35 program recently completed testing on an improved lighting assembly with the KC-135 that will enable the Navy and Marine Corps F-35 variants to refuel behind the tanker at night. Flight testing of the redesigned light, which attaches to a refueling probe, was led by Patuxent River Naval Air Station, Maryland, and it was supported by

21 Mar 2019

Air Force’s top NCO gets look at all things Edwards

Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force Kaleth O. Wright received a whirlwind tour of the Center of the Aerospace Testing Universe March 18-19.The highest ranking enlisted member in the Air Force got a firsthand look at almost every squadron and unit on Edwards. Wright visited with everyone from security forces defenders to testers at the F-35 Joint

20 Mar 2019

New VISTA paint scheme gets artist's approval

Renowned aviation artist Mike Machat officially endorsed his latest work for the U.S. Air Force Test Pilot School March 7 when he applied his signature to the school’s NF-16D VISTA in-flight simulator.The VISTA is sporting a new paint scheme designed by Machat. The one-of-a-kind aircraft is a staple of the school. VISTA is an acronym that stands

19 Mar 2019

Former 412th Test Wing commander embodies ‘Captain Marvel’ spirit

In early February, roughly 80 female pilots gathered together on Edwards Air Force Base, California, to take part in the video filming of an Air Force Recruiting Service commercial. The commercial was made to coincide with the release of the new film “Captain Marvel,” which also involved filming at Edwards. One of the Airmen showcased in the recruiting video was Maj. Gen. Dawn Dunlop. Dunlop currently serves as the Director of Special Programs in the Office of the Secretary of Defense. She is also the highest ranking female fighter pilot in the Air Force today. Earlier in her career, Dunlop served right here as the 412th Test Wing vice commander and eventually the wing commander, the first woman ever to command a Test Wing.

7 Mar 2019

Innovative solution reduces cost of runway repair

After years of heating up in the summer and freezing in the winter, the North Base runway developed severe cracking and was closed in October 2016. Traditional repair methods such as sealing the cracks would only last a few months and full replacement would have cost $20 million. The 412th Civil Engineer Group, 412th Operations Support Squadron,

7 Mar 2019

Innovation success: Reusable containers save thousands

At the Joshua Tree Dining Facility, Styrofoam containers have been the container of choice for grabbing a meal on the go.Recently, the cost for these containers was set to increase from $8,000 per month to $24,000 per month as a result of an increase in price and usage. In the long run, these costs would be unsustainable and usage of these

30 Jan 2019

418th FLTS begins KC-46A Phase III testing

The 418th Flight Test Squadron and Global Reach Combined Test Force had a busy and successful 2018. The squadron oversaw “revolutionary” flight control upgrades for C-17 Globemaster IIIs in landing and air refueling modes; the final parachute certification air drops of NASA's new Orion space capsule; air launch of ballistic missiles to bolster the

26 Jan 2019

KC-46 hits milestone at Edwards AFB

Fielding began last week on America’s newest air refueling tanker aircraft – the KC-46 Pegasus. Operationalizing a new military aircraft does not happen often, but when it does, it typically goes through Edwards Air Force Base – the center of the aerospace testing universe. Regardless of whether it is a frequent or a rare occurrence, hitting a milestone like this should be a huge source of pride for our entire team.

17 Jan 2019

Joint Simulation Environment inches closer to reality

The 412th Electronic Warfare Group is one step closer to bringing the Joint Simulation Environment to life at Edwards Air Force Base, California. The 412th EWG recently began work to pave the way for ultimately building a new facility to house the JSE.

16 Jan 2019

Commentary: KC-46 milestone at Edwards AFB

Fielding began last week on America’s newest air refueling tanker aircraft – the KC-46 Pegasus.  Operationalizing a new military aircraft does not happen often, but when it does, it typically goes through Edwards Air Force Base – The Center of the Aerospace Testing Universe. Regardless of whether it is a frequent or a rare occurrence, hitting a