The BAF's primary purpose is to the test and integration of avionics systems in a secure, controlled, and repeatable electromagnetically controlled free-space environment, using state-of-the-art simulation and stimulation technology that closely duplicates the real combat mission environment. The BAF is the largest anechoic test facility in the world-providing a "virtual open-air range within four walls and ceiling." It can support and handle virtually all Department of Defense aircraft, to test their radio frequency (RF) systems for wide-ranging EMS installed systems test. All these world-class capabilities are essential to the DT&E mission but what stands out, literally as it is the largest facility on the Edwards, is the BAF. Edwards is the location of the test and evaluation mission simulator, the Benefield Anechoic Facility (BAF), Ridley Mission Control, and the Integration Facility for Avionics Systems Testing. There are three core components for this mission: flying operations, maintenance, and engineering. The 412 TW plans, conducts, analyzes, and reports on all flight and ground testing of aircraft, weapons systems, software and components, and modeling and simulation for the Air Force. It's here that the Air Force Test Pilot School is located training test pilots, flight-test engineers, and flight-test navigators. The complex has made vital contributions to the development of practically every one of the nation's top priority aerospace programs from the Atlas and Apollo programs, to GPS and the space shuttle and the F-35.Įdwards AFB and the 412 th Test Wing (412 TW) are often viewed as the test enterprise's nucleus. Facilities can simulate flight conditions from sea level to 300 miles and from subsonic velocities up to Mach 20.ĪEDC maintains capabilities that exist nowhere else in the world and truly make it a national asset. It operates more than 68 aerodynamic and propulsion wind tunnels, rocket and turbine engine test cells, sled tracks, environmental chambers, centrifuges, arc heaters, ballistic ranges, and other specialized units located in eight states. The test enterprise stretches from the verdant lushness of Arnold Air Force Base, Tennessee, the High Desert of Edwards Air Force Base, California, to down to the white sand beaches of Eglin Air Force Base, Florida.Īrnold Engineering Development Complex, Arnold Air Force BaseĪrnold Air Force Base, Tennessee, is the home of the Arnold Engineering Development Complex (AEDC). Typical upgrades to be tested include improvements to radar, weapons-delivery, navigation systems, new wings or engines for aircraft, automated ground collision avoidance software, and a system to give tactical pilots the ability to strike ground targets from low altitudes, both at night and in adverse weather conditions. AFTC's workforce, civilian, military, and contractor, work together to test and evaluate new flight systems and upgrades to systems already in the inventory for the Air Force, the Department of Defense, National Aeronautics and Space Administration, and other government agencies. Air Force's inventory since World War II. AFTC and its earlier incarnations have tested every aircraft in the U.S. Aligned under Air Force Material Command, AFTC is a $31 billion enterprise that employs more than 18,000 military, civilian and contractor personnel. Headquartered at Edwards Air Force Base, Calif., AFTC leads the Air Force mission of conducting developmental test and evaluation (DT&E) of air, space, and cyber systems to provide timely, objective, and accurate information to decision-makers. The Center's focus today, and in the future, is summed up in the motto: "Ad Inexplorata … Toward the Unexplored." ![]() AFTC has a vibrant history and continues to be the center of excellence for flight and ground test. Every earthly environment, combat, and operational scenario is simulated with relentless accuracy. The Test Center likes to get its hands dirty putting aircraft, avionics, flight control systems, munitions, and weapon systems through their paces. Before the warfighter touches it, the Air Force Test Center (AFTC) has been all over it.
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