This week in Edwards flight test history Published Aug. 25, 2016 412th Test Wing Public Affairs EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- On Aug. 26, 1975 the McDonnell Douglas YC-15 flew from Long Beach, California, to Edwards on its first flight. The high-wing, four-engine aircraft utilized an innovative externally blown flap, propulsive-lift concept. It was the McDonnell Douglas entry into the Air Force’s Advanced Medium STOL Transport program to develop an aircraft capable of carrying troops and equipment into short, unimproved airfields in combat areas. Today this aircraft is on static display in the Century Circle outside the west gate entry point.