On This Day in Test History

Feb. 23, 2021
February 23, 1965: Vertical/Short Takeoff and Landing Engineering Testing

Due to an anticipated lack of trained vertical/short takeoff and landing engineering test pilots in the Air Force, V/STOL training was documented as a new task to the USAF Aerospace Research Pilot School. To that end, the school acquired four Bell OH-13E Sioux “bubbletop” helicopters for the new
Feb. 22, 2021
February 22, 1994: Air Traffic Surveillance Radar System

The new R-2508 Rehost air traffic surveillance radar system was commissioned by the Federal Aviation Administration, which judged it to be the most advanced system of its kind, either within the FAA or the Department of Defense.The FAA's Terminal Area Surveillance System program provided a
Feb. 21, 2021
February 21, 2001: B-52H AGM-86D Conventional Air Launched Cruise Missile Testing

The 419th Flight Test Squadron completed the B-52H AGM-86D Conventional Air Launched Cruise Missile penetrator integration flight test program, conducting an 18-hour endurance flight on this day. All told, testing had consisted of three days of ground testing, four captive carry sorties, and two
Feb. 20, 2021
February 20, 1944: B-29 Superfortress Conducted Ballistic Tests on Concrete-Filled Atomic Bomb Casings

A modified B-29 Superfortress arrived from Wright Army Air Field to conduct ballistic tests on concrete-filled atomic bomb casings in order to evaluate their aerodynamic characteristics. This was part of Project A, which was responsible for making a practical weapon out of the nuclear test device
Feb. 19, 2021
February 19, 1993: F-15E Ring Laser Gyro Inertial Navigation Set Testing

A three-year evaluation of the F-15E Ring Laser Gyro Inertial Navigation Set, conducted at the Air Force Flight Test Center and at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, was completed.The Ring Laser Gyros (RLG) can be used as the stable elements (for one degree of freedom each) in an inertial guidance
Feb. 18, 2021
February 18, 2003: Expedited Program to Integrate a New Targeting Pod on Block 50 F-16 Fighters

A 32-person team from the 416 FLTS completed an expedited program to integrate a new targeting pod on Block 50 F-16 fighters. By working all night and borrowing assets from other Combined Test Forces, the team condensed six weeks of development, testing and evaluation into three and a half days and
Feb. 17, 2021
February 17, 1956: Lockheed YF-104A Made Its First Flight

The Lockheed YF-104A made its first flight, piloted by Tony LeVier. This was a service test F-104 redesign with a new GE79 axial-flow engine, lengthened fuselage, relocated vertical stabilizer, a ventral stabilizing fin, and redesigned air intake ducts. These changes aided stability and made the
Feb. 16, 2021
February 16, 2007: Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care and Health Services Inspection

The 95th Medical Group underwent an Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care survey and Health Services Inspection. Every three years, civilian surveyors from the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care and military inspectors from the Air Force Inspection Agency come to
Feb. 15, 2021
February 15, 1977: Edwards Air Force Base Became a Controlled-Access Base

Edwards Air Force Base became a controlled-access base. Three entry control points were established on the main thoroughfares entering the base, and access was restricted to persons working or conducting business on the base.Edwards had long been one of the most open bases in all of the Air Force.
Feb. 14, 2021
February 14, 1999: Department of Defense Acquisition Workforce Personnel Demonstration Project

The Air Force Flight Test Center became the first Air Force organization to implement the Department of Defense Acquisition Workforce Personnel Demonstration Project. This was an innovative system of civilian workforce management intended to attract and motivate a high-quality workforce. The

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