Experimental Test Force partners with Griffiss Institute to bridge sUAS industry engagement for the warfighter

  • Published
  • By Dr. Samantha Duchscherer and Chase Kohler
  • 412th Test Wing
EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  

In partnership with the Griffiss Institute, the Experimental Test Force and the 412th Test Wing hosted a T3 Innovation Open House event on Jan. 22. Seven regional startup companies connected with scientists and engineers across the aerospace discipline to help facilitate the development and implementation of small, unmanned aircraft system (sUAS) technologies that benefit the warfighter at speed and scale.


Experimental Test Force leader David Freeman joins Maj. Christopher Vorgert, commander, Experimental Test Force, in showcasing invited attendees the dedicated sUAS infrastructure at Edwards North Base on Jan. 22, 2026. In partnership with the Griffiss Institute, the Experimental Test Force and the 412th Test Wing hosted a T3 Innovation Open House event at Edwards AFB. Seven regional startup companies connected with scientists and engineers across the aerospace discipline to help facilitate the development and implementation of small, unmanned aircraft system (sUAS) technologies that benefit the warfighter at speed and scale. The partnership’s goal is to bridge gaps in industry engagement and cross-service collaboration across East Kern and Northern Los Angeles counties. (Photo by Daniel Kelley)

T3 Open Houses aim to accelerate technology transfer by connecting innovators and entrepreneurs with Air Force scientists and engineers, promote the region's test and evaluation capabilities, and host events to attract high-growth firms to collaborate with the Air Force on technology commercialization milestones. The partnership’s goal is to bridge gaps in industry engagement and cross-service collaboration across East Kern and Northern Los Angeles counties.

The Experimental Test Force is a component of the 412th Test Wing’s Airpower Foundations Combined Test Force. The unit has a broad focus on industry integration across small, unmanned aircraft systems, advanced sensors, and other emerging technologies that support the joint force. As a cornerstone of this mission, the unit recently held its inaugural “Game of Drones” event for rapid experimentation with sUAS technology.



Invited attendees join a welcome brief at the Experimental Test Force on Jan. 22, 2026. In partnership with the Griffiss Institute, the Experimental Test Force and the 412th Test Wing hosted a T3 Innovation Open House event at Edwards AFB. Seven regional startup companies connected with scientists and engineers across the aerospace discipline to help facilitate the development and implementation of small, unmanned aircraft system (sUAS) technologies that benefit the warfighter at speed and scale. The partnership’s goal is to bridge gaps in industry engagement and cross-service collaboration across East Kern and Northern Los Angeles counties. (Photos by Daniel Kelley)

Future T3 Open Houses are in the planning stage, and the Griffiss Institute is open to collaborate with other groups and squadrons across the Edwards Air Force Base enterprise.

Interested parties should contact Dr. Samantha Duchscherer at samantha.duchscherer@us.af.mil.