Air Force Test Center

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The Air Force Test Center oversees 412TW, 96TW, & AEDC, advancing developmental test and evaluation of air, space, & cyber systems to provide timely, objective, & accurate information to decision makers. Please keep your comments and wall posts in good taste and follow our posting guidelines here. We will not allow: • Comments or submissions that contain vulgar, profane, hateful or abusive languag

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🚀 From Test to Capability | March 30, 2004On this day in 2004, the Air Force’s flight test enterprise supported a signif...
03/30/2026

🚀 From Test to Capability | March 30, 2004

On this day in 2004, the Air Force’s flight test enterprise supported a significant test of an aerospike rocket engine, an innovative design built to optimize exhaust flow and improve performance across a wide range of flight conditions.

Moments like this reflect what test and evaluation does best: turning bold ideas into actionable data.

Today, the Air Force Test Center continues that mission, developing, testing and evaluating air, space and cyber systems to deliver trusted data and accelerate capability to the warfighter.

As the Department of the Air Force focuses on modernization, readiness and maintaining a decisive edge, AFTC ensures emerging technologies are ready for the future fight.

From breakthrough tests to operational capability, AFTC delivers.

High angle-of-attack testing over the Mojave, just another day at Edwards Air Force Base for the team pushing the edge o...
03/27/2026

High angle-of-attack testing over the Mojave, just another day at Edwards Air Force Base for the team pushing the edge of what’s possible.

F-22 Raptors with the Air Dominance Combined Test Force continue to generate critical data that drives future capability. At the Air Force Test Center, that’s what we do, turn test into combat advantage.

From flight sciences to mission systems, every sortie contributes to delivering timely, objective, and accurate data to decision-makers, ensuring the warfighter gets the most advanced, reliable systems possible.

Tested. Proven. Ready.

Readiness starts with the Airmen behind the mission.The United States Air Force has released an updated DAFMAN 36-2905, ...
03/27/2026

Readiness starts with the Airmen behind the mission.

The United States Air Force has released an updated DAFMAN 36-2905, modernizing how physical fitness is assessed across the force.

The changes emphasize sustained performance over time, introducing updated body composition standards and flexible testing components designed to better reflect real-world demands.

For the Air Force Test Center, this aligns directly with how we approach our mission. We don’t measure success by a single event. We evaluate consistency, reliability, and performance under pressure.

The same applies to our Airmen.

A ready force is built through standards that evolve with the mission.

Read the full update:
https://www.afpc.af.mil/Portals/70/documents/FITNESS/DAFMAN%2036-2905.pdf

03/25/2026

At the center of every test, every capability, and every breakthrough… are people.

This week, we’re highlighting Kirk Butler from the 715th Test Squadron at Arnold Engineering Development Complex. His work is part of the foundation that enables the Air Force Test Center to deliver trusted, war-winning capabilities to the warfighter.

Behind every data point and every successful test is a person who shows up, solves problems, and pushes the mission forward.

Get to know Kirk and hear what drives him in this week’s “At The Center” feature.

Before there was Arnold Engineering Development Complex, there was a decision.In 1949, President Harry S. Truman signed ...
03/24/2026

Before there was Arnold Engineering Development Complex, there was a decision.

In 1949, President Harry S. Truman signed the Unitary Wind Tunnel Plan Act. That decision laid the foundation for one of the most critical test and evaluation capabilities in the world. What followed was not just construction. It was the deliberate build of infrastructure, expertise, and innovation to ensure the United States could lead in airpower.

Seventy-five years later, that same mindset still drives the Air Force Test Center.

From wind tunnels to digital modeling, from early jet engine testing to modern autonomy, AEDC shows what happens when we invest in capability before the fight. Dominance is built over time.

Today, AFTC continues that legacy by accelerating the development, testing, and delivery of war-winning capabilities. This directly supports a National Security Strategy focused on maintaining the world’s most advanced military and technological edge.

The future fight will be decided long before it starts.

Read more and find more historic photos here: www.aftc.af.mil/News/Article/4441638/aedc-at-75-groundwork-begins/

📙Enrollment is open for the 2026 Fundamentals of Test – Test Management: A Systems Engineering Approach Short Course, ho...
03/16/2026

📙Enrollment is open for the 2026 Fundamentals of Test – Test Management: A Systems Engineering Approach Short Course, hosted by the Air Force Test Center.

This course provides participants with a comprehensive understanding of the developmental test process from early test strategy development to ex*****on, analysis and reporting. The program blends virtual instruction with hands-on learning, including glider flight test activities in Tehachapi.

2026 course highlights include:
• No APDP-coded billet requirement to enroll
• Open to workforce members across all career fields
• Enlisted aircrew encouraged to attend
• Updated instruction addressing the stand-up of ICC and IDO organizations

Personnel interested in participating should coordinate with their supervisors and register through the following links:

A Course:
🔸20 Apr – 1 May 2026
https://forms.osi.apps.mil/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=jbExg4ct70ijX6yIGOv5tJoPai_UMVVCj-b4ENsHvlBUNFFKTDhPQVcxSUhVQk4yRllaS1NCSTNGNC4u
🔸27 Jul – 7 Aug 2026
https://forms.osi.apps.mil/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=jbExg4ct70ijX6yIGOv5tJoPai_UMVVCj-b4ENsHvlBUQTNLVFRRU0xMVUhPN1JITkJVN1ROTzlNVy4u
🔸7 - 18 September 2026
https://forms.osi.apps.mil/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=jbExg4ct70ijX6yIGOv5tJoPai_UMVVCj-b4ENsHvlBUNVgwMEpXODZWOUdBN0NITFU2WFAyUEk4WC4u

B Course:
🔸4 - 8 May 2026
https://forms.osi.apps.mil/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=jbExg4ct70ijX6yIGOv5tJoPai_UMVVCj-b4ENsHvlBUOVJHS1lEVjUyWjFRSEQ3T1VBSkE5RlhKSC4u
🔸10 - 14 August 2026
https://forms.osi.apps.mil/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=jbExg4ct70ijX6yIGOv5tJoPai_UMVVCj-b4ENsHvlBUMktLNDFBUzYzNVhLWlQ0VUtEQzJOOTZUVS4u
🔸21 – 25 September 2026
https://forms.osi.apps.mil/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=jbExg4ct70ijX6yIGOv5tJoPai_UMVVCj-b4ENsHvlBURUk0U1cxUlhMOEI1U1M4QVdBWFg2UjJKTi4u

C Course:
🔸1 – 5 June 2026
https://forms.osi.apps.mil/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=jbExg4ct70ijX6yIGOv5tJoPai_UMVVCj-b4ENsHvlBUQ0ZNVTU2Rk5LWkFYNEhJU05BR0hUUUdCRy4u
🔸19 – 23 Oct 2026
https://forms.osi.apps.mil/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=jbExg4ct70ijX6yIGOv5tJoPai_UMVVCj-b4ENsHvlBUN082SFRXODZZTVcxR0VHREE3VklERlFHRC4u
🔸16 – 20 Nov 2026
https://forms.osi.apps.mil/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=jbExg4ct70ijX6yIGOv5tJoPai_UMVVCj-b4ENsHvlBUNlI2MkVEVzlHSkszTjc1MzFGVTVZWktRTi4u

Note: Members planning to attend the in-person B Course should ensure TDY and funding coordination is completed no later than 1 April 2026 to ensure funding availability.

Edwards Air Force Base - Arnold Engineering Development Complex - Eglin Air Force Base

The Air Force Test Center Enterprise includes more than 19,600 military and civilian professionals across 37 locations, ...
03/13/2026

The Air Force Test Center Enterprise includes more than 19,600 military and civilian professionals across 37 locations, all working together to test and deliver the capabilities our warfighters depend on.

Each year, the AFTC Enterprise Annual Awards recognize a small number of those professionals whose dedication, innovation and leadership rise above an already exceptional team.

Congratulations to this year’s winners and nominees for representing the very best of the Air Force Test Center.

See the full list of award recipients below ↓

🏆Airman of the Year
412th Test Wing, Senior Airman Julia F. Phillips

🏆Noncommissioned Officer of the Year
412th Test Wing, Technical Sergeant Halima H. Burton

🏆Senior Noncommissioned Officer of the Year
412th Test Wing, Senior Master Sergeant Paul J. Couch, II

🏆First Sergeant of the Year
96th Test Wing, Master Sergeant Derek A. Medlenka

🏆Company Grade Officer of the Year
96th Test Wing, Captain John T. Despard

🏆Company Grade Officer Individual Mobilization Augmentee of the Year
96th Test Wing, Captain Quinten C. Morgan

🏆Field Grade Officer of the Year
Air Force Test Center, Major Matthew D. Loy

🏆Field Grade Officer Individual Mobilization Augmentee of the Year
96th Test Wing, Major Heather C. Hoang

🏆Civilian of the Year in Category I
412th Test Wing, Alysha A. Miller

🏆Civilian of the Year in Category II
96th Test Wing, Bradley D. Wilken

🏆Civilian of the Year in Category III
Arnold Engineering Development Complex, Laura E. Ahrens

Edwards Air Force Base ✬ Arnold Engineering Development Complex ✬ Eglin Air Force Base ✬ Air Force Materiel Command

03/07/2026

A message to Airmen from Chief of Staff of the Air Force Gen. Ken Wilsbach.

This week Maj. Gen. Scott Cain, AFTC commander alongside Command Chief Master Sgt. Jeffrey Martin attended the 2026 Air ...
02/27/2026

This week Maj. Gen. Scott Cain, AFTC commander alongside Command Chief Master Sgt. Jeffrey Martin attended the 2026 Air & Space Forces Association Warfare Symposium in Colorado!

The event brought together senior leaders, industry partners, and warfighters to discuss the future of air and space power, and AFTC helped carry the test message forward.

Engagements like this highlight how AFTC delivers trusted data, reduces risk, and accelerates combat capability to the joint force. When we go TDY, we’re advocating for the test enterprise and the Airmen and Guardians behind it. 🇺🇸✈️



📸 U.S. Air Force photos by 1st Lt. Danielle Rose

Speed matters.In his first major address as Chief of Staff, Gen. Ken Wilsbach warned that our adversaries are designing ...
02/27/2026

Speed matters.

In his first major address as Chief of Staff, Gen. Ken Wilsbach warned that our adversaries are designing around speed.

“They believe they can move faster than we can respond, complicate our choices and force us into reaction instead of initiative.”

The answer is readiness.

“As an Air Force, flying and fixing aircraft is the most important thing we do.”

At the Air Force Test Center, that starts long before combat. Test Airmen generate the data that turns concepts into combat capability. We validate. We refine. We reduce risk so the warfighter doesn’t carry it.

🔗: https://www.aftc.af.mil/News/Article/4417711/wilsbach-outlines-strategy-for-confronting-adversaries-air-force-success/

ICYMI: Last week, Air Force Test Center Command Chief Master Sgt. Jeffrey Martin visited Eglin Air Force Base and took a...
02/25/2026

ICYMI:

Last week, Air Force Test Center Command Chief Master Sgt. Jeffrey Martin visited Eglin Air Force Base and took an “Underdog Tour” to recognize the Airmen and civilians who make the mission possible behind the scenes.

These are the professionals who keep the wheels turning when nobody’s watching and directly contribute to the readiness of the force. The high-visibility moments don’t happen without the teams in the work centers and shops delivering precision, consistency, and results every day.

Address

Edwards Air Force Base, CA
93524

Telephone

+16618169595

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