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.
AC-130J software update
Initial operational test and evaluation began for the AC-130J's Block 20 software update, which added the 105mm cannon and Laser Small Diameter Bomb capability. Developmental test also began on the AC-130J Block 20+ software update. The Block 20+ new additions include a special mission processor, radio frequency countermeasures, rail launchers and Hellfire missiles.
Penetrator warhead testing
Drop tests occurred on the advanced 2,000-pound penetrator warhead. The purpose was to collect data from the drops on insensitive munition characteristics and environmental characteristics of the A2K warhead in various configurations.
40th Flight Test Squadron
GBU-12 tests
Flight testers assisted Lockheed Martin in establishing a performance baseline for the GBU-12 laser-guided bomb from which improvements can be accomplished.
F-16 update flight testing
All developmental testing was completed for the F-16’s M7.1 software update. More than 3,000 sorties were flown by the test squadron and other testing units.
46th Test Squadron
Battle Control System
The 46th TS supported operational testing of the battle control system software release. The BSC-F is an air surveillance and battle computer system. The system operates within the NORAD air defense architecture and surveys the airspace over the United States and Canada.
NATO air-to-ground sensor testing
The squadron participated in two contractor flight tests of the NATO air ground surveillance aircraft. The developmental team monitored the aircraft’s sensor performance during the flight test and documented sensor availability in a formal report.