Edwards AFB
Severe weather forces USAF tankers to vacate McConnell AFB
The USAF’s 22nd ARW at McConnell AFB, Kansas, was forced to relocate its tanker fleet – which comprises a number of KC-46A Pegasus and KC-135R/T Stratotanker aerial refuelling aircraft – out of state on May 11 due to a severe weather system that was scheduled to strike their home base later that day
First F-35A to receive TR-3 upgrades completes maiden flight
A developmental test team from the USAF’s 461st FLTS ‘Deadly Jesters’ conducted the first flight of an F-35A Lightning II in the fifth-generation fighter’s new Technology Refresh 3 (TR-3) configuration at Edwards AFB in California on January 6
USAF B-52 conducts first operational ARRW hypersonic missile test launch
A USAF-operated Boeing B-52H Stratofortress has successfully released the first All-Up-Round AGM-183A Air-launched Rapid Response Weapon (ARRW) during an operational test off the coast of Southern California on December 9
First brand-new F-35A delivered to 461st FLTS
The USAF's 412th Test Wing announced on August 15 that the first of six brand-new F-35A Lightning IIs has been delivered to Edwards Air Force Base, California
NF-16D VISTA becomes X-62A to support new mission
Officials from the 412th Test Wing at Edwards AFB, California, announced on July 30 that the USAF’s Lockheed Martin NF-16D Variable In-flight Simulator Aircraft (VISTA) had been formally redesignated as the X-62A from June 14
Korean KF-16 undergoes upgrade testing at Edwards AFB
As part of the Korea F-16 Update Program, a Lockheed Martin KF-16D Block 52N Fighting Falcon from the Republic of Korea Air Force is being used as a trials aircraft at Edwards AFB in California
Divested B-1B to become ground integration lab at Edwards AFB
The US Air Force Life Cycle Management Center revealed on March 8 that a recently retired B-1B Lancer will become the new Edwards Aircraft Ground Integration Lab (EAGIL) at Edwards AFB in California
USAF reactivates 420th Flight Test Squadron for B-21
The US Air Force (USAF) has reactivated the 420th Flight Test Squadron (FLTS) at Edwards Air Force Base (AFB), California, following a ceremony held on October 4.