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Lockheed Martin photograph by Jonathan Case
A U.S. Marine Corps F-35B from Air Test and Evaluation Squadron 23 (VX-23), Naval Air Station Patuxent River, Md., undergoes a ground test of an dressed to Web Updates, 220 E. Ave.
improved probe light assembly in an Edwards Air Force Base, Calif., hangar Feb. 28. The F-35 program recently completed testing on an improved K-4, # 7, Lancaster CA 93535
lighting assembly with the KC-135 Stratotanker that will enable the Navy and Marine Corps F-35 variants to refuel behind the tanker at night. Flight For questions concerning the web site,
testing of the redesigned light, which attaches to a refueling probe, was led by Patuxent River Naval Air Station, Md., and supported by Edwards. contact the webmaster at webmaster@
aerotechnews.com.
by Brig. Gen. E. John Teichert were busy certifying F-35 and C-130 receivers The next days were filled with a textbook ex-
412th Test Wing commadner paired with the KC-46, and preparing for certifi- ample of AFTC’s enduring principles: Where you can get
cation of B-2 and F-22 receivers. They were also • World-Class Risk Management Aerotech News and Review
EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif.— engaged in writing numerous reports to support • Customized Teams and Products
For information on Aerotech
Last month, the developmental test team at Ed- the KC-46 acquisition decisions and Initial Op- • Relentless Focus on the Warfighter distribution, call (661) 945-5634
wards Air Force Base and the Air Force Test erational Test and Evaluation. The Navy and Marine Corps test team crafted or e-mail delivery@aerotechnews.com.
Center completed a vital test effort that directly Additionally, tanker test teams were busy test- an initial test plan that was reviewed by the Air
impacted the warfighter. ing fixes to KC-135 autopilot software to be in-
It was a joint effort with combat capability on corporated into future operational software. The Force team charged with executing the testing.
the line. It didn’t take a decade to complete; it entire team was already focused on important Edwards AFB test professionals created an
didn’t take a year or even six months. In fact, this warfighter needs, but this particular requirement integrated Test and Safety Review Board tailor- Aerotech News and Review is published
critical test took less than a month from the ini- was too important to let linger. Thus, the Edwards made to ensure test adequacy and apply proper risk the first and third Fridays of each
tial program office request until the testing was AFB team shuffled manpower and resources to management, while maintaining constant commu- month, serving the aerospace and
finished and decision-quality data were delivered plan, support, execute, and report on this F-35B nication with the F-35 and tanker program offices. defense industry of Southern
to the customer. and F-35C test program with minimal interruption The test experts then conducted ground testing of California, Nevada and Arizona.
Recently, the F-35 Joint Program Office be- to their other important priorities. the lighting alternatives and selected the one most News and ad copy deadline is noon
came aware that there was a problem with its likely to resolve the concerns, followed by flight on the Tuesday prior to publication.
Navy and Marine Corps F-35s that limited their testing in fleeting operationally relevant conditions The publisher assumes no
ability to fully employ and train at night. to verify the fix. The success of the modified air responsibility for error in ads other
The operational community had determined refueling probe light was quickly fed to the F-35 than space used. Your comments are
that the existing F-35 B/C air refueling probe welcomed and encouraged. Write to
light was inadequate for KC-135 drogue opera- JPO to drive an immediate fielding decision to lift the address below.
tions, and an immediate fix was needed for home nighttime restrictions.
station and deployed forces. That word quickly All of this was accomplished in less than a
made its way to Edwards AFB — “the Center of month! In doing so, it showcased the agility and • Publisher .........................Paul Kinison
the Aerospace Testing Universe” — and the team innovative spirit of those charged with shaping • Business Manager.............Lisa Kinison
sprang into action. In doing so, they punctuated and molding America’s arsenal through devel- • Editor ..............................Stuart Ibberson
• National Advertising
the meaning of National Defense Strategy guid- opmental test and evaluation. Manager ..........................Paul Kinison
ance to provide “the capabilities and agility re- It didn’t require a declaration of a test ac-
quired to prevail in conflict and preserve peace celeration. It didn’t require the establishment
through strength” by “delivering performance at of a Joint Urgent Operational Need. It didn’t Aerotech News and Review
the speed of relevance.” require up-front funding from the program of- 220 E. Ave. K-4, #7
The 412th Test Wing at Edwards wasn’t sit- fice. It didn’t require a formal task passed down Lancaster, CA 93535
ting idly by waiting for this urgent need. In fact, through the chain of command. It only required e-mail: editor@aerotechnews.com
the F-35 test team was busy testing new combat Visit our web site at www.aerotechnews.com
software, qualifying the automatic ground colli- the dedication of a test team determined to meet
sion avoidance system, and certifying the F-35 to the needs of the warfighter by delivering perfor-
refuel behind the KC-46. Tanker test professionals mance at the speed of relevance.
Aerotech News and Review
2 www.aerotechnews.com ........ facebook.com/aerotechnewsandreview April 5, 2019