EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- Welcome to the monthly mission report for the 96th Operations Group. These are the tasks Airmen and civilians are progressing on inside the squadrons and units within the group.
40th Flight Test Squadron
- APKWS trajectory shaping flight test
A second round of flight testing began this month with the A-10 and F-16. The testing includes further trajectory shaping and separations testing along with development of instrumented measurement vehicles. Testing this month culminated in the first-ever firing off the F-16 of two guided rockets with a newly designed warhead.
Two squadron F-16s and maintainers deployed to Cherry Point Marine Corps Air Station, N.C., in support of a US Navy fleet firing event. The aircrew completed three sorties and two AQM-37 target launches in support of the event. The unit was responsible for deploying a supersonic, air launched target, which is then targeted by Navy assets for the purpose of equipment testing or training.
- Guided Bomb Unit -12 baseline flight testing
The test pilots of the squadron are releasing GBU-12s from F-16s to establish a performance baseline from which continuous improvements can be made. The test support is to assist Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control.
780th Test Squadron
Testing began on the B61-12 tail kit assembly to determine the weapon’s aerodynamic characteristics to support certification of the bomb’s release from an F-16 Fighting Falcon. The squadron’s testers were also able to demonstrate capabilities and integration with the F-16 systems. More releases are scheduled in March.
- Standoff Precision Guided Munition
Two carry tests were performed to verify the integration of the Hellfire and Laser Small Diameter Bomb on the AC-130J and AC-130W. Live fire testing occurred at the White Sands Missile range this month.
Detachment 2
- E-3G software upgrade testing
The unit prepared for an operational assessment to show functionality of the new software. The update provides functionality to the air battle manager and addresses previous software issues and deficiencies.
46th Test Squadron
Squadron Airmen conducted P-5 Pod testing in the anechoic chamber. The test determined the effects of cellular LTE signals on the pod’s datalink transceiver. Analysis of the results is ongoing.