Post by 412th Test Wing, Edwards Air Force Base

NEWS: An operational test pilot with Air Force Operational Test & Evaluation Center (AFOTEC), Detachment 5 recently flew in the pilot seat of the B-21 Raider during a test sortie, marking the fastest time on record for operational test involvement during developmental test. "We put an operational test member in the pilot seat with a United States Air Force Test Pilot School graduate in the other,” said Col. Matt Guasco, AFOTEC Det. 5 commander. “In the history of modern test, we’ve never done that so early in a program.” Traditionally, developmental test ensures an aircraft meets its technical specifications and flies safely, while operational test is conducted separately and much later to determine if the platform is combat-effective, suitable and survivable in the hands of the warfighter. Transitioning directly into a combined DT/OT environment eliminates the gap between ensuring a jet simply works and ensuring it is ready for combat. “Integrating operational and developmental test in the B-21 program exemplifies the acquisition culture we’re instilling throughout the force,” said Gen. Dale White, the Department of War's direct reporting portfolio manager for critical major weapon systems. “It’s a smarter and faster mindset that leverages modern production and test tools with the proper sense of urgency, urgency that challenges old processes and moves us to a more agile acquisition system. "Bringing operational testers onto the team at this early point in the program now means we can evaluate the bomber's true combat utility, not just its flying characteristics,” said Lt. Col. Matthew Gray, 420th Flight Test Squadron commander and Raider CTF director. The Raider CTF at Edwards is comprised of #Airmen and #USAF civilians from the 412th Test Wing’s 420th Flight Test Squadron, AFOTEC Det 5 and the 53rd Wing’s 31st Test and Evaluation Squadron, along with Northrop Grumman industry partners. #AFMC Learn more about this latest milestone to deliver critical capability for the warfighter, faster- https://lnkd.in/gUYQFcMG