Edwards Skulls will test emerging technologies
At the beginning of June 2023, it became known that the 416th Flight Test Squadron "Skulls" will expanded their mission by becoming USAF's Emerging Technologies Integrated Test Force (ET-ITF).
Based at Edwards AFB (CA) as subordinated to the 412th Test Wing, the Skulls transitioned from a Combined Test Force (CTF) to an integrated test force. The 416th Flight Test Squadron at Edwards now shares a matrix of integrated emerging technologies resources and flying assets like the F-16 Fighting Falcon and T-7A Red Hawk. Earlier, Scramble Magazine wrote about 416th FLTS's participation in the Red Hawk project.
It is expected that the integration of the ET-ITF into the 416th FLTS will provide an increased breadth of flight test experience for the USAF while harmonising traditional flight tests with rapid and agile technology maturation. Also, by integrating emerging technologies into the 416th FLTS, new projects such as the T-7A Red Hawk and emerging high-risk projects will benefit from collaboration while also ensuring greater opportunities for Airmen and contractor collaboration across multi-domain test resources.
ET-ITF's work in autonomy and government-civilian partnerships will provide technological advancements utilised across the airpower spectrum and provide an exciting union with the existing expertise in the 416 FLTS. The test force will continue to utilise Edwards North Base facilities for recently announced projects such as the Agility Prime initiative with Joby Aviation.
On 30 April 2023, Scramble Magazine wrote about USAF's first eVTOL to be delivered early 2024. A planned 4,652-square-foot expansion of the 416th FLTS headquarters will provide much needed space and position ITF members closer to projects that historically require consistent collaboration, such as the Air Force Test Pilot School’s X-62 VISTA platform.
As for the T-7A Red Hawk; while the Red Hawk recently gained its Military Flight Release (MFR) from the USAF, there are still some issues. The MFR confirms that all airworthiness processes have been met to conduct flight and test operations of the advanced trainer. It is expected that Boeing will now deliver the first serial production Red Hawk training jets between the end of 2025 and the beginning of 2026. The latest delays in the programme of the T-7A, which will eventually replace USAF's Northrop T-38 Talons, involves the ejection seats, which have not reached a degree of confidence required by the USAF.
Credit photos: USAF / Credit Patch: www.aviatorgear.com