Edwards Air Force Base News

X-62 VISTA sets precedents with Mission Systems Upgrades, aligns human researchers with AI development for the warfighter

Chase Kohler — Tue, 04 Aug 2026 10:00:00 GMT

Amidst planned upgrades, the U.S. Air Force Test Pilot School’s Research Division simultaneously executed two accelerated test programs, HAVE HEAT and HAVE HOLIDAYS, utilizing the X-62 VISTA here throughout April 2026.

Newest sUAS technology demonstrated at Game of Drones 26-2

Giancarlo Casem — Mon, 03 Aug 2026 22:21:00 GMT

Small unmanned air systems vendors descended on Edwards Air Force Base, California, to showcase the latest technologies and capabilities as part of Game of Drones, July 13-16. GoD is an innovative collaboration between the Experimental Test Force (ETF) at Edwards and the Defense Contract Management Agency’s newly commissioned US-X command. Recurring GoD events bring industry and government together to stress and showcase capabilities, such as designing, assembling, and flying a sUAS all in one day. GoD aims to accelerate sUAS experimentation and T&E across multiple axes, including command and control interoperability, C-sUAS, rapid field 3-D printing and assembly, autonomous flight, and generation of massed effects and swarming tactics.

Edwards teens "Light Up the Night"

Giancarlo Casem — Wed, 29 Jul 2026 22:21:06 GMT

On a summer evening dedicated to connection and hope, military teens and community members gathered for the annual "Light Up the Night" event on July 18, bringing a message of hope and resilience to residents of Edwards Air Force Base, California.

Edwards AFB prepares for five days of triple-digit heat

Gary Davis — Wed, 22 Jul 2026 21:52:00 GMT

Summer is cranked to the maximum at Edwards Air Force Base this week, as the community prepares for a punishing, five-day stretch of triple-digit desert heat and heightened wildfire danger starting Thursday.

Early OT flying brings T-7A closer to operational use

Katherine C. Gandara, Public Affairs Advisor — Thu, 16 Jul 2026 13:38:00 GMT

The 412th Test Wing and the Air Force Operational Test and Evaluation Center’s Detachment 5 flew the first joint sortie in a T-7A Red Hawk at Edwards Air Force Base. This flight positions the Airpower Foundations Combined Test Force to begin combined developmental and operational test flights, ultimately accelerating capability for the warfighter.

Air Force conducts live-fire test for Collaborative Combat Aircraft program

Pentagon News — Wed, 15 Jul 2026 15:26:00 GMT

The Department of the Air Force successfully conducted a live-fire test of a YFQ-44A Collaborative Combat Aircraft, firing an AIM-120 weapon at a digital target. The test demonstrates program maturity and operational validation while emphasizing the retention of human oversight for weapon release.

USAF Test Pilot School class 25B marks newest group of test leaders

Chase Kohler — Wed, 08 Jul 2026 02:51:00 GMT

The Air Force Test Pilot School formally celebrated the graduation of Class 25B at Edwards Air Force Base, California, June 5.

Air Force honors B-52 crew during memorial service at Edwards AFB

Tech. Sgt. Robert Cloys, Air Force Test Center Public Affairs — Tue, 30 Jun 2026 22:29:00 GMT

The air fell quiet Monday evening as families, teammates and senior Air Force leaders gathered beneath the high ceiling of an aircraft hangar to honor the eight members of the B-52 Stratofortress crew lost in a crash at Edwards Air Force Base two weeks earlier.

TPS, NATO partner to guide human-drone swarm interaction

Chase Kohler — Tue, 30 Jun 2026 02:25:00 GMT

In alignment with this rapidly evolving environment, the United States Air Force Test Pilot School at Edwards Air Force Base, California, has been refining its testing methodologies and partnering with international allies to safely and effectively evaluate the emerging cutting-edge aerospace capabilities.

Seven countries, 43 aircraft: TPS pushes boundaries

Chase Kohler — Tue, 30 Jun 2026 02:13:00 GMT

U.S. Air Force Test Pilot School Class 25-B traveled to a record seven countries and flew 43 unique aircraft across 291.5 flight hours during their yearlong instruction at Edwards Air Force Base.

Base to host memorial service to honor lives, service, sacrifice of teammates

412th Test Wing Public Affairs — Thu, 25 Jun 2026 19:30:00 GMT

A memorial service to honor and remember the lives of those lost in the June 15 B-52 crash will be held at Edwards AFB June 29 at 6:30 p.m. in Hangar 1623.

B-52 accident update – Edwards releases names of fallen crew members

412th Test Wing Public Affairs — Wed, 17 Jun 2026 17:15:00 GMT

The base has released the names of the eight people killed when a B-52 Stratofortress crashed shortly after takeoff from Edwards during a routine test mission on Monday.

B-52 crashes at Edwards Air Force Base

412th Test Wing Public Affairs — Mon, 15 Jun 2026 21:44:00 GMT

An Air Force B-52 Stratofortress carrying eight people on a routine test mission crashed today shortly after take-off at 11:20 a.m. (PDT). Initial indications are that the crash was not survivable. Emergency response personnel are on scene, and officials are working to account for all personnel. The crash is currently under investigation.

Operational Pilot Flies B-21 as Top General Pushes Urgency

Mike Paoli — Thu, 11 Jun 2026 18:53:00 GMT

In another milestone for the B-21 Raider program, an operational test pilot recently flew the bomber with a developmental test pilot sharing the cockpit.

One central node, all domains – Edwards command post is Air Force’s best

Laisa Leao — Thu, 11 Jun 2026 18:50:00 GMT

Keeping the Air Force’s premier test base running smoothly is no small feat. Fortunately, the team at the 412th Test Wing Command Post makes it look easy, and their hard work has officially earned them top honors.

412th CEG paves the way for faster, safer and smoother commutes

412th Test Wing Public Affairs — Wed, 10 Jun 2026 21:12:48 GMT

In a move to improve efficiency and reduce transit times across the vast Edwards Air Force Base installation, the 412th Civil Engineer Group partnered with the 412th Security Forces Squadron and the 412th Test Wing Safety Office to conduct a comprehensive traffic analysis.

Thrill of the ride, duty of the guide: get certified

412th Test Wing Public Affairs — Mon, 08 Jun 2026 17:21:00 GMT

Most motorcyclist are well-aware of the inherent dangers of the road, but the thrill and adventure of the open road keep riders in the saddle. While the excitement is understandable, minimizing the danger should be every rider's top priority—and that safety starts with proper training.

Matrina’s calling – from wrong turn to triple-award provider

Laisa Leao — Tue, 02 Jun 2026 20:55:00 GMT

Sometimes, the best career paths are discovered by accident.

Junior ROTC cadets pinned to lead, cleared to soar

Laisa Leao — Thu, 28 May 2026 22:36:00 GMT

It’s more than a high school elective. The Air Force Junior ROTC at Edwards Air Force Base is a proving ground. It is a living, breathing reassurance that the character, moral compass, physical wellness and community spirit of the next generation are in highly capable hands, parents said.

412th SFS hosts Police Week 2026

412th Test Wing Public Affairs — Thu, 28 May 2026 19:53:54 GMT

The 412th Security Forces Squadron hosted Police Week 2026, May 11-15, at Edwards Air Force Base, California. The weeklong festivities included a 5k Ruck, Run or Walk event, school outreach and sporting events such as a golf and softball tournaments.