This week in Edwards history Published Dec. 19, 2017 By 412th Test Wing Public Affairs EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- 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 Force director Col. Emil “Ted” Sturmthal, and flight test engineer Richard Abrams. The 70-minute, 250-mile flight path was within reach of the Rogers Dry Lake runways during which basic flight evaluation was conducted.