UCAS-D flight test team honored twice by 412th Test Wing

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  • By 95th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  The Air Force has recognized for operational excellence the U.S. Navy/Northrop Grumman Corporation flight test team that successfully conducted first and subsequent flights of the Navy‟s X-47B unmanned aircraft earlier this year.

The team, which performed its work as part of the Navy's Unmanned Combat Air System Carrier Demonstration program, was honored at two levels by the Air Force Flight Test Center.

The team was recognized April 18 by the 412th Operations Group as the Flight Test Team of the Quarter for its many notable achievements leading up to and including the X-47B's first flight on Feb. 4 and two additional envelope expansion flights in early March.

"Our N-UCAS First Flight Test Team was recognized for several notable achievements, which included operational excellence in working as a combined test team of over 250 Navy, Air Force, government civilians, and contractors," said Col. Colin Miller, 412th OG commander. "Conducting flight test safely and effectively is something we strive for here at Edwards."

Colonel Miller said the team directly contributed to the authoring of over 40 test plans, and identified and corrected several major issues, which ensured safe testing while increasing test efficiency by 75 percent - saving over $650,000.

In selecting teams for awards, the 412th OG looks for teams that excel at meeting the 412th Test Wing priorities: safely and professionally execute the mission; taking care of America's Airmen and their families; cultivate a strong sense of stewardship; and effectively communicate value to delivering smart airpower solutions for the nation.

On April 21, the 412th TW also selected the UCAS-D flight test team as the Team of the Quarter, again in recognition of its consistent success with the X-47B flight test program.

"Congratulations are in order for this high performing team," said Tom Soard, leader of Northrop Grumman's X-47B Flight Test Integrated Product Team. "We work day to day among the best flight testers in the world, so it's an honor to have our performance and professionalism recognized in this community. This award is not just a team award. It is a tribute to every member of the test team for doing what he or she knows is the right thing every day, and doing it safely, reliably and very well."

The test team comprises flight test engineers and specialists from Northrop Grumman; Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md.; AFFTC; and UCAS-D joint industry team members Pratt & Whitney and Lockheed Martin.