Eglin range tests B-1 tactics

  • Published
  • By Ashley M. Wright
  • Team Eglin Public Affairs
EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  Members of the 53rd Wing tested the capabilities of B-1s here recently in an effort to better defend the aircraft for today's warfighters and prove the strength of new software systems. 

"The main purpose of our deployment out here is to conduct defensive threat reaction test to basically validate our defensive tactics against threats," said Lt. Col. Jeff Aldridge, 337th Test Evaluation Squadron commander. 

The squadron, located at Dyess AFB, Texas, flew two B-1s to Eglin for a week and was able to complete extensive testing. 

"We are using the Eglin range as threat emitters, and we operate out here because it is more efficient," Colonel Aldridge said. "Normally, we fly about two missions a week. Here, we are flying every day." 

The close proximity of Eglin's range provided the opportunity to gather more test points while maximizing the range space. This deployment probably allowed for the most tests the unit conducted in the last decade, the colonel said. 

"Not only did Eglin's range allow for more tests and save the Air Force time and fuel, the testing environment provided simulated threats," said Mike Clark, 28th TES electronic warfare project manager. "The results gathered from the threat reaction tests will be compiled into tactics, techniques and procedures." 

The B-1, which is known as the backbone of America's long-range bomber force, possesses the capabilities to track, target and engaging moving land vehicles. The tests revealed more information about the aircraft's software. 

"In addition to the defense threat reaction tests, we tracked some ships out in the ocean as part of ongoing testing for our new block software for maritime, which is very applicable with what is going on today," Colonel Aldridge said. "There are a number of real world applications with this new capability." 

Electronic warfare testing gives an accurate picture of the bomber' s ability to counter threats. 

"We are going to end up writing tactics, techniques and procedures that will go into the tactics manual, which will better help the crews defend the airplane using all their systems against threats," Mr. Clark said. "We will know by doing this test what is effective and what is not. On a larger scheme, it will help the warfighter." 

In addition to providing the opportunity to perform a multitude of tests, the B-1 allowed 53rd Wing pilots on Eglin to fly.