412th Test Wing
Encyclopedia
The 412th Test Wing is a wing of the United States Air Force
, assigned to the Air Force Flight Test Center
at Edwards Air Force Base
, California
.
There are three core components for this mission: flying operations, maintenance, and engineering.
The wing maintains and flies an average of 90 aircraft with upwards of 30 different aircraft designs and performs over 7,400 missions (over 1,900 test missions) on an annual basis.
The Test Pilot School, also part of the test wing, is where the Air Force's top pilots, navigators and engineers learn how to conduct flight tests and generate the data needed to carry out test missions.
The Engineering Division and the Electronic Warfare Division provide the central components in the conduct of the Test and Evaluation mission. They provide the tools, talent and equipment for the core disciplines of aircraft structures, propulsion, avionics and electronic warfare evaluation of the latest weapon system technologies.
The Project and Resource Management Divisions who provide the foundation for the successful program management of test missions.
Squadrons
Schools
Tested from 1978–1992:
Tested from 1993 – present:
from 1943-1946. It was the first U.S. jet fighter
group to be activated, and spent most of its early existence in experimental testing of the P-59A and P-80 aircraft. The group developed training programs and trained aircrew and ground personnel as cadres for newly formed jet aircraft-equipped units. It was deactivated in 1946.
The group was reactivated from 1955–1960 and served in an air defense role in Michigan
.
From 1 March 1978, the wing managed flight operations for the Air Force Flight Test Center at Edwards Air Force Base, California. Using a mixed fleet of support aircraft, the wing annually tested both experimental and USAF inventory aircraft, as well as others on loan from US government agencies and foreign governments. Component systems flight-testing included weapon
s and ordnance
, avionics
and sensor
s, flight controls, and aircrew life-support equipment. It operates the Air Force Test Pilot School
, training student
s from around the world. It performed free-flight testing of the Space Transportation System
(STS) for NASA
from 1978–1980, and in April 1981 recovered the shuttle Columbia
following the first-ever orbital mission of a reusable spacecraft. The wing continues to provide an alternate landing site services for STS recovery, most recently for the Atlantis
during its STS-117
mission.
The wing deployed support personnel and equipment to Southwest Asia
for Operation Desert Shield and Operation Desert Storm
from, August 1990-March 1991. While deployed, it performed tests on radar
and weapons system accuracy. On 2 October 1992 the 6510th Test Wing, the previous Edwards test organisation, deactivated and the 412th took its place. It transitioned into an objective test wing in 1992 to enhance its mission of air vehicle development, testing, and evaluation. It has tested and evaluated both manned and unmanned aerospace vehicles for U.S. and foreign governments.
United States Air Force
The United States Air Force is the aerial warfare service branch of the United States Armed Forces and one of the American uniformed services. Initially part of the United States Army, the USAF was formed as a separate branch of the military on September 18, 1947 under the National Security Act of...
, assigned to the Air Force Flight Test Center
Air Force Flight Test Center
The Air Force Flight Test Center conducts research, development, test, and evaluation of aerospace systems from concept to deployment. It has test flown every aircraft in the U.S. Air Force's inventory since World War II...
at Edwards Air Force Base
Edwards Air Force Base
Edwards Air Force Base is a United States Air Force base located on the border of Kern County, Los Angeles County, and San Bernardino County, California, in the Antelope Valley. It is southwest of the central business district of North Edwards, California and due east of Rosamond.It is named in...
, California
California
California is a state located on the West Coast of the United States. It is by far the most populous U.S. state, and the third-largest by land area...
.
Overview
The 412th Test Wing plans, conducts, analyzes, and reports on all flight and ground testing of aircraft, weapons systems, software and components as well as modeling and simulation for the USAF.There are three core components for this mission: flying operations, maintenance, and engineering.
The wing maintains and flies an average of 90 aircraft with upwards of 30 different aircraft designs and performs over 7,400 missions (over 1,900 test missions) on an annual basis.
The Test Pilot School, also part of the test wing, is where the Air Force's top pilots, navigators and engineers learn how to conduct flight tests and generate the data needed to carry out test missions.
The Engineering Division and the Electronic Warfare Division provide the central components in the conduct of the Test and Evaluation mission. They provide the tools, talent and equipment for the core disciplines of aircraft structures, propulsion, avionics and electronic warfare evaluation of the latest weapon system technologies.
The Project and Resource Management Divisions who provide the foundation for the successful program management of test missions.
Assigned Units
- 412th Operations Group (412 OG)
- 410th Flight Test Squadron410th Flight Test SquadronThe 410th Flight Test Squadron was part of the 412th Test Wing based at Edwards Air Force Base, California. It performed testing on the B-1 Lancer and F-117 Nighthawk aircraft from 1980-2008 and was deactivated with the retirement of the F-117 from the Air Force inventory.-History:The squadron has...
(410 FLTS) - 411th Flight Test Squadron411th Flight Test SquadronThe 411th Flight Test Squadron is part of the 412th Test Wing based at Edwards Air Force Base, California. It performed competition testing for the YF-22 and YF-23 aircraft.-History:...
(411 FLTS) - 412th Flight Test Squadron412th Flight Test SquadronThe 412th Flight Test Squadron is part of the 412th Test Wing based at Edwards Air Force Base, California.-Aircraft Operated:*C-135 61-2669 1992-2006*KC-135E 57-2589 a.k.a "Casey01" 2004-2007*KC-135R 63-7980 2007–Present-External links:...
(412 FLTS) - 416th Flight Test Squadron416th Flight Test SquadronThe 416th Flight Test Squadron is part of the 412th Test Wing and is based at Edwards Air Force Base, California. It performs flight testing on F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft.-History:...
(416 FLTS) - 417th Flight Test Squadron417th Flight Test SquadronThe 417th Flight Test Squadron is part of the 412th Test Wing based at Edwards Air Force Base, California.-History:The 417th conducted flight testing of the C-17 Globemaster III from, 1989–1995 and of the YAL-1A Airborne Laser from 2006 onwards.-Lineage:*6517th Test Squadron *417th Test Squadron...
(417 FLTS) - 418th Flight Test Squadron418th Flight Test SquadronThe 418th Flight Test Squadron is part of the 412th Test Wing and is based at Edwards Air Force Base, California. It performs flight testing on MC-130H Combat Talon II and AC-130U Spooky aircraft.-History:...
(418 FLTS) - 419th Flight Test Squadron419th Flight Test SquadronThe 419th Flight Test Squadron is part of the 412th Test Wing and is based at Edwards Air Force Base, California. It performs flight testing on B-1 Lancer, B-52 Stratofortress, F-15 Eagle, F-16 Fighting Falcon, and EA-6B Prowler aircraft as well as Advanced Cruise Missiles.-History:Established as...
(419 FLTS) - 445th Flight Test Squadron445th Flight Test SquadronThe 445th Flight Test Squadron is part of the 412th Test Wing and is based at Edwards Air Force Base, California.-Overview:...
(445 FLTS) - 452d Flight Test Squadron452d Flight Test SquadronThe 452d Flight Test Squadron is part of the 412th Test Wing and is based at Edwards Air Force Base, California.-History:...
(452 FLTS) - 461st Flight Test Squadron461st Flight Test SquadronThe 461st Flight Test Squadron is part of the 412th Test Wing and is based at Edwards Air Force Base, California. It conducts aircraft systems testing.-World War II:...
(461 FLTS)
- 412th Maintenance Group (412 MXG)
- Test Pilot SchoolU.S. Air Force Test Pilot SchoolThe U.S. Air Force Test Pilot School is the Air Force's very advanced flight training school that trains experimental test pilots, flight test engineers, and flight test navigators to carry out tests and evaluations of new aerospace weapon systems and also other aircraft of the U.S. Air Force...
- Engineering Division
- Electronic Warfare Division
- Project Management Division
- Resource Management Division
Lineage
- Established as 412 Fighter Group (Single Engine) on 20 November 1943
- Activated on 29 November 1943
- Inactivated on 3 July 1946
- Established as: 527th Air Defense Group on 16 February 1953
- Redesignated 412 Fighter Group (Air Defense) on 20 June 1955
- Activated on 18 August 1955 by redesignation of 527th Air Defense Group527th Air Defense GroupThe 527th Air Defense Group is a disbanded United States Air Force organization. Its last assignment was with the 4708th Air Defense Wing, being stationed at Wurtsmith Air Force Base, Michigan...
- Discontinued on 1 April 1960
- Redesignated 412 Tactical Fighter Group on 31 July 1985 but remained inactive.
- Consolidated (1 October 1992) with 6510 Test Wing, which was established, and activated, on 1 March 1978.
- Redesignated 412 Test Wing on 2 October 1992.
Assignments
- IV Fighter CommandIV Fighter CommandThe IV Fighter Command is an inactive United States Air Force unit. It was last assigned to Fourth Air Force, based at Oakland Airport, California...
, 29 November 1943 - 321st Wing (Special), 3 December 1945
- IV Fighter CommandIV Fighter CommandThe IV Fighter Command is an inactive United States Air Force unit. It was last assigned to Fourth Air Force, based at Oakland Airport, California...
, 28 January 1946 - Tactical Air CommandTactical Air CommandTactical Air Command is an inactive United States Air Force organization. It was a Major Command of the United States Air Force, established on 21 March 1946 being headquartered at Langley Air Force Base, Virginia...
, 21 March 1946 - Twelfth Air Force, 15 May-3 July 1946
- 4708th Air Defense Wing4708th Air Defense WingThe 4708th Air Defense Wing is an inactive United States Air Force organization. Its last assignment was with the 30th Air Division, being stationed at Selfridge Air Force Base, Michigan...
, 18 August 1955 - 30th Air Division, 8 July 1956-1 April 1960
- Attached to Detroit Air Defense SectorDetroit Air Defense SectorThe Detroit Air Defense Sector is an inactive United States Air Force organization. Its last assignment was with the Air Defense Command 26th Air Division, being stationed at Custer Air Force Station, Michigan...
, 1 April 1959-1 April 1960- Air Force Flight Test CenterAir Force Flight Test CenterThe Air Force Flight Test Center conducts research, development, test, and evaluation of aerospace systems from concept to deployment. It has test flown every aircraft in the U.S. Air Force's inventory since World War II...
, 1 March 1978–present
- Air Force Flight Test Center
Components
Groups- 412 Operations: 1 October 1993-Current
- 6545 (later, 545) Test: 1 January 1979-1 August 1996
- 6510 (later, 412) Test: 10 March 1989-30 December 1997
Squadrons
- 18th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron20 August 1957-1 April 1960
- 29th Fighter Squadron: 21 July 1944-3 July 1946
- 31 Fighter (later, 31 Fighter-Interceptor): 19 August 1944-3 July 1946; 8 June 1956-20 August 1957
- 39 Photo (later, 39 Tactical) Reconnaissance: attached 5 November 1945-3 July 1946
- 445 Fighter (later, 445 Fighter-Interceptor): 18 March 1944-3 July 1946; 18 August 1955-1 April 1960
- 6510 (later, 410) Test: 10 March 1989-1 October 1993
- 6511 Test: 1 March-1 July 1978
- 6511 (later, 411) Test: 10 March 1989-1 October 1993
- 6512 (later, 445) Test: 1 March 1978-1 October 1993
- 6513 (later, 413) Test: 1 March 1978-1 October 1993
- 6514 Test: 1 March 1978-1 January 1979
- 6515 (later, 415) Test: 10 March 1989-1 October 1993
- 6516 (later, 416) Test: 10 March 1989- 1 October 1993
- 6517 (later, 417) Test: 10 March 1989-1 October 1993
- 6518 (later, 418) Test: 10 March 1989-1 October 1993
- 6519 (later, 419) Test: 10 March 1989-1 October 1993
Schools
- U.S. Air Force Test Pilot SchoolU.S. Air Force Test Pilot SchoolThe U.S. Air Force Test Pilot School is the Air Force's very advanced flight training school that trains experimental test pilots, flight test engineers, and flight test navigators to carry out tests and evaluations of new aerospace weapon systems and also other aircraft of the U.S. Air Force...
: 1 March 1978–present
Stations
- Muroc AAF, CaliforniaCaliforniaCalifornia is a state located on the West Coast of the United States. It is by far the most populous U.S. state, and the third-largest by land area...
, 29 November 1943 - Palmdale AAF, CaliforniaCaliforniaCalifornia is a state located on the West Coast of the United States. It is by far the most populous U.S. state, and the third-largest by land area...
, 1 June 1944 - Bakersfield AirportBakersfield AirportBakersfield Airport can refer to several airports in or near Bakersfield, California:*Meadows Field , Bakersfield's primary commercial airport, for both domestic and international flights....
, CaliforniaCaliforniaCalifornia is a state located on the West Coast of the United States. It is by far the most populous U.S. state, and the third-largest by land area...
, 11 October 1944 - Santa Maria Army Airfield, CaliforniaCaliforniaCalifornia is a state located on the West Coast of the United States. It is by far the most populous U.S. state, and the third-largest by land area...
, 10 July 1945 - March Field, CaliforniaCaliforniaCalifornia is a state located on the West Coast of the United States. It is by far the most populous U.S. state, and the third-largest by land area...
, c. 29 November 1945-3 July 1946 - Wurtsmith AFB, MichiganMichiganMichigan is a U.S. state located in the Great Lakes Region of the United States of America. The name Michigan is the French form of the Ojibwa word mishigamaa, meaning "large water" or "large lake"....
, 18 August 1955-1 April 1960 - Edwards AFB, CaliforniaCaliforniaCalifornia is a state located on the West Coast of the United States. It is by far the most populous U.S. state, and the third-largest by land area...
, 1 March 1978–present
Aircraft assigned
- F-89 ScorpionF-89 ScorpionThe Northrop F-89 Scorpion was an early American jet-powered fighter designed from the outset as an all-weather interceptor. Though its straight wings limited its performance, it was among the first USAF jet fighters with guided missiles, and notably the first combat aircraft armed with air-to-air...
(1955–1960) - T-33 Shooting StarT-33 Shooting StarThe Lockheed T-33 Shooting Star is an American-built jet trainer aircraft. It was produced by Lockheed and made its first flight in 1948, piloted by Tony LeVier. The T-33 was developed from the Lockheed P-80/F-80 starting as TP-80C/TF-80C in development, then designated T-33A. It was used by the...
(1955–1960) - F-102 Delta DaggerF-102 Delta DaggerThe Convair F-102 Delta Dagger was a US interceptor aircraft built as part of the backbone of the United States Air Force's air defenses in the late 1950s. Entering service in 1956, its main purpose was to intercept invading Soviet bomber fleets...
(1956–1960) - F-101 VoodooF-101 VoodooThe McDonnell F-101 Voodoo was a supersonic military jet fighter which served the United States Air Force and the Royal Canadian Air Force...
(1959–1960)
Tested from 1978–1992:
- A-7 Corsair IIA-7 Corsair IIThe Ling-Temco-Vought A-7 Corsair II is a carrier-based subsonic light attack aircraft introduced to replace the United States Navy's Douglas A-4 Skyhawk, initially entering service during the Vietnam War...
- A-10 Thunderbolt IIA-10 Thunderbolt IIThe Fairchild Republic A-10 Thunderbolt II is an American single-seat, twin-engine, straight-wing jet aircraft developed by Fairchild-Republic in the early 1970s. The A-10 was designed for a United States Air Force requirement to provide close air support for ground forces by attacking tanks,...
- A-37 DragonflyCessna T-37The Cessna T-37 Tweet is a small, economical twin-engine jet trainer-attack type aircraft which flew for decades as a primary trainer for the United States Air Force and in the air forces of several other nations...
- B-1 LancerB-1 LancerThe Rockwell B-1 LancerThe name "Lancer" is only applied to the B-1B version, after the program was revived. is a four-engine variable-sweep wing strategic bomber used by the United States Air Force...
- B-2 SpiritB-2 SpiritThe Northrop Grumman B-2 Spirit is an American heavy bomber with low observable stealth technology designed to penetrate dense anti-aircraft defenses and deploy both conventional and nuclear weapons. The bomber has a crew of two and can drop up to eighty -class JDAM GPS-guided bombs, or sixteen ...
- B-52 StratofortressB-52 StratofortressThe Boeing B-52 Stratofortress is a long-range, subsonic, jet-powered strategic bomber operated by the United States Air Force since the 1950s. The B-52 was designed and built by Boeing, who have continued to provide maintainence and upgrades to the aircraft in service...
- C-17 Globemaster IIIC-17 Globemaster IIIThe Boeing C-17 Globemaster III is a large military transport aircraft. Developed for the United States Air Force from the 1980s to the early 1990s by McDonnell Douglas, the C-17 is used for rapid strategic airlift of troops and cargo to main operating bases or forward operating bases throughout...
- C-23 Sherpa
- C-130 HerculesC-130 HerculesThe Lockheed C-130 Hercules is a four-engine turboprop military transport aircraft designed and built originally by Lockheed, now Lockheed Martin. Capable of using unprepared runways for takeoffs and landings, the C-130 was originally designed as a troop, medical evacuation, and cargo transport...
(several variants) - NC-131 SamaritanC-131 SamaritanThe Convair C-131 Samaritan was an American military transport produced from 1954 to 1956. It is the military version of the Convair CV-240.-Design and development:...
- F-4 Phantom IIF-4 Phantom IIThe McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II is a tandem two-seat, twin-engined, all-weather, long-range supersonic jet interceptor fighter/fighter-bomber originally developed for the United States Navy by McDonnell Aircraft. It first entered service in 1960 with the U.S. Navy. Proving highly adaptable,...
- F-15 EagleF-15 EagleThe McDonnell Douglas F-15 Eagle is a twin-engine, all-weather tactical fighter designed by McDonnell Douglas to gain and maintain air superiority in aerial combat. It is considered among the most successful modern fighters with over 100 aerial combat victories with no losses in dogfights...
- F-16 Falcon
- F-111 AardvarkGeneral Dynamics F-111The General Dynamics F-111 "Aardvark" was a medium-range interdictor and tactical strike aircraft that also filled the roles of strategic bomber, reconnaissance, and electronic warfare in its various versions. Developed in the 1960s by General Dynamics, it first entered service in 1967 with the...
- HH-60 Pave HawkHH-60 Pave HawkThe Sikorsky MH-60G/HH-60G Pave Hawk is a twin turboshaft engine helicopter in service with the United States Air Force. It is a derivative of the UH-60 Black Hawk and incorporates the US Air Force PAVE electronic systems program...
- HH-53 Super Jolly Green Giant
- KC-135 StratotankerKC-135 StratotankerThe Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker is an aerial refueling military aircraft. It and the Boeing 707 airliner were developed from the Boeing 367-80 prototype. The KC-135 was the US Air Force's first jet-powered refueling tanker and replaced the KC-97 Stratotanker...
- T-33 Shooting StarT-33 Shooting StarThe Lockheed T-33 Shooting Star is an American-built jet trainer aircraft. It was produced by Lockheed and made its first flight in 1948, piloted by Tony LeVier. The T-33 was developed from the Lockheed P-80/F-80 starting as TP-80C/TF-80C in development, then designated T-33A. It was used by the...
- T-38 TalonT-38 TalonThe Northrop T-38 Talon is a twin-engine supersonic jet trainer. It was the world's first supersonic trainer and is also the most produced. The T-38 remains in service as of 2011 in air forces throughout the world....
- T-39 Sabreliner
- T-46 EagletFairchild Republic T-46|-See also:-References:* Braybrook, Roy. "Tweety-Bird Replacement". Air International, June 1985, Vol 28, No. 6. pp. 273–280.* . Flight International, 17 July 1982, p. 122.* . Flight International 26 October 1985, p. 8....
Tested from 1993 – present:
- C-130 HerculesC-130 HerculesThe Lockheed C-130 Hercules is a four-engine turboprop military transport aircraft designed and built originally by Lockheed, now Lockheed Martin. Capable of using unprepared runways for takeoffs and landings, the C-130 was originally designed as a troop, medical evacuation, and cargo transport...
(several variants) - F-15 EagleF-15 EagleThe McDonnell Douglas F-15 Eagle is a twin-engine, all-weather tactical fighter designed by McDonnell Douglas to gain and maintain air superiority in aerial combat. It is considered among the most successful modern fighters with over 100 aerial combat victories with no losses in dogfights...
- F-16 Falcon
- T-38 TalonT-38 TalonThe Northrop T-38 Talon is a twin-engine supersonic jet trainer. It was the world's first supersonic trainer and is also the most produced. The T-38 remains in service as of 2011 in air forces throughout the world....
- T-39 SabrelinerT-39 SabrelinerThe North American Sabreliner is a mid-sized business jet developed by North American Aviation. It was offered to the U.S. Air Force in response to their Utility Trainer Experimental program...
- B-2 SpiritB-2 SpiritThe Northrop Grumman B-2 Spirit is an American heavy bomber with low observable stealth technology designed to penetrate dense anti-aircraft defenses and deploy both conventional and nuclear weapons. The bomber has a crew of two and can drop up to eighty -class JDAM GPS-guided bombs, or sixteen ...
- C-17 Globemaster IIIC-17 Globemaster IIIThe Boeing C-17 Globemaster III is a large military transport aircraft. Developed for the United States Air Force from the 1980s to the early 1990s by McDonnell Douglas, the C-17 is used for rapid strategic airlift of troops and cargo to main operating bases or forward operating bases throughout...
- F-22 RaptorF-22 RaptorThe Lockheed Martin/Boeing F-22 Raptor is a single-seat, twin-engine fifth-generation supermaneuverable fighter aircraft that uses stealth technology. It was designed primarily as an air superiority fighter, but has additional capabilities that include ground attack, electronic warfare, and signals...
- F-117 NighthawkF-117 NighthawkThe Lockheed F-117 Nighthawk was a single-seat, twin-engine stealth ground-attack aircraft formerly operated by the United States Air Force . The F-117A's first flight was in 1981, and it achieved initial operating capability status in October 1983...
- B-1 LancerB-1 LancerThe Rockwell B-1 LancerThe name "Lancer" is only applied to the B-1B version, after the program was revived. is a four-engine variable-sweep wing strategic bomber used by the United States Air Force...
- U-2 Dragon LadyLockheed U-2The Lockheed U-2, nicknamed "Dragon Lady", is a single-engine, very high-altitude reconnaissance aircraft operated by the United States Air Force and previously flown by the Central Intelligence Agency . It provides day and night, very high-altitude , all-weather intelligence gathering...
- C-18 Stratoliner
- C-135 StratolifterC-135 Stratolifter|-See also:-External links:* at Globalsecurity.org...
(several variants) - F-35 Lightning IIF-35 Lightning IIThe Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II is a family of single-seat, single-engine, fifth generation multirole fighters under development to perform ground attack, reconnaissance, and air defense missions with stealth capability...
Operational history
The 412th tested a wide variety of Army Air Force aircraftAircraft
An aircraft is a vehicle that is able to fly by gaining support from the air, or, in general, the atmosphere of a planet. An aircraft counters the force of gravity by using either static lift or by using the dynamic lift of an airfoil, or in a few cases the downward thrust from jet engines.Although...
from 1943-1946. It was the first U.S. jet fighter
Fighter aircraft
A fighter aircraft is a military aircraft designed primarily for air-to-air combat with other aircraft, as opposed to a bomber, which is designed primarily to attack ground targets...
group to be activated, and spent most of its early existence in experimental testing of the P-59A and P-80 aircraft. The group developed training programs and trained aircrew and ground personnel as cadres for newly formed jet aircraft-equipped units. It was deactivated in 1946.
The group was reactivated from 1955–1960 and served in an air defense role in Michigan
Michigan
Michigan is a U.S. state located in the Great Lakes Region of the United States of America. The name Michigan is the French form of the Ojibwa word mishigamaa, meaning "large water" or "large lake"....
.
From 1 March 1978, the wing managed flight operations for the Air Force Flight Test Center at Edwards Air Force Base, California. Using a mixed fleet of support aircraft, the wing annually tested both experimental and USAF inventory aircraft, as well as others on loan from US government agencies and foreign governments. Component systems flight-testing included weapon
Weapon
A weapon, arm, or armament is a tool or instrument used with the aim of causing damage or harm to living beings or artificial structures or systems...
s and ordnance
Ammunition
Ammunition is a generic term derived from the French language la munition which embraced all material used for war , but which in time came to refer specifically to gunpowder and artillery. The collective term for all types of ammunition is munitions...
, avionics
Avionics
Avionics are electronic systems used on aircraft, artificial satellites and spacecraft.Avionic systems include communications, navigation, the display and management of multiple systems and the hundreds of systems that are fitted to aircraft to meet individual roles...
and sensor
Sensor
A sensor is a device that measures a physical quantity and converts it into a signal which can be read by an observer or by an instrument. For example, a mercury-in-glass thermometer converts the measured temperature into expansion and contraction of a liquid which can be read on a calibrated...
s, flight controls, and aircrew life-support equipment. It operates the Air Force Test Pilot School
U.S. Air Force Test Pilot School
The U.S. Air Force Test Pilot School is the Air Force's very advanced flight training school that trains experimental test pilots, flight test engineers, and flight test navigators to carry out tests and evaluations of new aerospace weapon systems and also other aircraft of the U.S. Air Force...
, training student
Student
A student is a learner, or someone who attends an educational institution. In some nations, the English term is reserved for those who attend university, while a schoolchild under the age of eighteen is called a pupil in English...
s from around the world. It performed free-flight testing of the Space Transportation System
Space Shuttle
The Space Shuttle was a manned orbital rocket and spacecraft system operated by NASA on 135 missions from 1981 to 2011. The system combined rocket launch, orbital spacecraft, and re-entry spaceplane with modular add-ons...
(STS) for NASA
NASA
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration is the agency of the United States government that is responsible for the nation's civilian space program and for aeronautics and aerospace research...
from 1978–1980, and in April 1981 recovered the shuttle Columbia
Space Shuttle Columbia
Space Shuttle Columbia was the first spaceworthy Space Shuttle in NASA's orbital fleet. First launched on the STS-1 mission, the first of the Space Shuttle program, it completed 27 missions before being destroyed during re-entry on February 1, 2003 near the end of its 28th, STS-107. All seven crew...
following the first-ever orbital mission of a reusable spacecraft. The wing continues to provide an alternate landing site services for STS recovery, most recently for the Atlantis
Space Shuttle Atlantis
The Space Shuttle Atlantis is a retired Space Shuttle orbiter in the Space Shuttle fleet belonging to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration , the spaceflight and space exploration agency of the United States...
during its STS-117
STS-117
- Crew Notes :The initial crew manifest before the Columbia accident was:Astronaut Mark Polansky was originally slated to pilot this mission, but was moved to STS-116, which he commanded...
mission.
The wing deployed support personnel and equipment to Southwest Asia
Southwest Asia
Western Asia, West Asia, Southwest Asia or Southwestern Asia are terms that describe the westernmost portion of Asia. The terms are partly coterminous with the Middle East, which describes a geographical position in relation to Western Europe rather than its location within Asia...
for Operation Desert Shield and Operation Desert Storm
Gulf War
The Persian Gulf War , commonly referred to as simply the Gulf War, was a war waged by a U.N.-authorized coalition force from 34 nations led by the United States, against Iraq in response to Iraq's invasion and annexation of Kuwait.The war is also known under other names, such as the First Gulf...
from, August 1990-March 1991. While deployed, it performed tests on radar
Radar
Radar is an object-detection system which uses radio waves to determine the range, altitude, direction, or speed of objects. It can be used to detect aircraft, ships, spacecraft, guided missiles, motor vehicles, weather formations, and terrain. The radar dish or antenna transmits pulses of radio...
and weapons system accuracy. On 2 October 1992 the 6510th Test Wing, the previous Edwards test organisation, deactivated and the 412th took its place. It transitioned into an objective test wing in 1992 to enhance its mission of air vehicle development, testing, and evaluation. It has tested and evaluated both manned and unmanned aerospace vehicles for U.S. and foreign governments.