Dec. 19, 2017 This week in Edwards history On Dec. 23, 1974, the Rockwell International B-1A Lancer made its first flight from Air Force Plant 42 in Palmdale, California, landing at Edwards AFB. The aircraft commander was Rockwell test pilot and retired Air Force Col. Charles Bock, Jr. He was accompanied by Air Force pilot and B-1 Joint Test
July 25, 2018 This week in Edwards history On July 25, 2000, the F-22 Combined Test Force's Raptor 02 successfully launched an AIM-9 Sidewinder missile over the China Lake Test Range. The test confirmed the F-22’s ability to launch an air-to-air missile from an internal weapons bay.
July 9, 2018 This week in Edwards history On July 10, 1968, the high drag loading phase of the McDonnell Douglas F-4E Phantom II Category II Stability and Control evaluation was completed. The loading consisted of 10 M-117 general-purpose retarded bombs and six LAU-3A rocket launchers.
Aug. 1, 2018 This week in Edwards history On Aug. 2, 2006, a C-5 Galaxy taxied across a series of ramps laid out on Rogers Dry Lakebed as part of its Reliability Enhancement and Re-Engining Program. The taxi runs tested the structural integrity and movement of the aircraft’s new engines and pylons under rough conditions.
May 1, 2018 This week in Edwards history On April 30, 1966, Air Force Flight Test Center test pilot Col. Joseph F. Cotton saved XB-70 Valkyrie #2 from destruction following an in-flight emergency in which the landing gear failed to lower into position. He crawled to a relay box containing two malfunctioning terminals and short-circuited
April 17, 2018 This week in Edwards history On April 20, 1987, the new control tower was officially opened with the takeoff of an F-15. The new facility, stressed to withstand an 8.0 magnitude earthquake as well as 120+ mph winds, replaced the ten-story red and white structure that had been a landmark since 1956. Today, the cab of the old
June 18, 2018 This week in Edwards history: The X-5 On June 20, 1951, the Bell X-5 made its maiden flight, piloted by Bell test pilot Jean E. "Skip" Ziegler. The X-5 was the first aircraft capable of changing the sweep of its wings in flight.
July 29, 2016 This week in flight test history July 24, 1951 at Edwards - The Bell X-1D made the first--and the only successful--flight of its career when it was air-dropped from an EB-50A mother ship to make an unpowered glide to the Rogers Dry Lake Bed. Jean “Skip” Ziegler was the pilot. The X-1D was the first of the “second generation” X-1
April 6, 2017 This year’s Military Retiree Appreciation Day set for May 6 Edwards AFB’s 2017 Military Retiree Appreciation Day will be held May 6 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Oasis Community Center. Military retirees and spouses are invited to come out and learn about programs that affect retirees and receive free services during the visit. Legal services, immunizations,
May 19, 2008 Thornton returns, takes TW helm After a six year hiatus from Edwards, a Airman has returned for his third tour of duty on the base -- this time as the 412th Test Wing commander.Col. William Thornton took command of the wing during a change of command ceremony at hangar 1600, May 19. He was first stationed here in 1993 to attend