53d Wing

Rapid innovation in action! ?????? The 53rd Test and Evaluation Group demonstrated a groundbreaking method to integrate weapons faster than ever—equipping an F-16 with a US Navy Harpoon missile without costly modifications. This game-changing approach accelerates capabilities, enhances flexibility, and keeps us ahead of evolving threats. ???? Nellis AFB | Air Combat Command | United States Air Force #WeOWNtheWIN #OperationalTEST #LethalForce #TEST #ReadyAF Read more here ?? https://lnkd.in/geB8WHeK

#ICYMI ???? The legacy continues. One of our F-15EX Eagles landed at Grand Forks Air Force Base last week, honoring the record-breaking feats of the Streak Eagle 50 years ago. From breaking records in 1975 to dominating the skies today, the Eagle’s legacy of speed, power, and air superiority lives on. Some things never change. #WeOWNtheWIN #OperationalTEST #LethalForce #TEST Read the story here?? https://lnkd.in/gNf2KCbT

?? F-35 Hot Turns: Speeding Up Combat Readiness ?? The 59th Test and Evaluation Squadron recently tested rapid aircraft regeneration and employment on the F-35 Lightning II at Nellis AFB. By performing a “hot” integrated combat turn (ICT), crews refueled and loaded munitions while keeping the engines running—cutting turnaround time from hours to minutes! ???? This test event improves speed, safety, and aircraft lethality, ensuring crews are trained and ready when every second counts. ?? Want to know more? Click the link ?? United States Air Force | Air Combat Command #F35 #AirForce #CombatReadiness #OperationalTEST #TEST #HotTurn #InnovationInAction #MilitaryTech #RapidResponse #Aviation #Defense https://lnkd.in/gh2x7p8Y

?????Happy 84th Birthday to the 53d Wing!????? On this day in 1940, the 53d Wing was established as the 53d Pursuit Group (Interceptor) and activated on 15 January 1941. Over the years, we've soared through history—supporting our nation’s defense through both world wars and adapting to new challenges in air warfare. ???? From our early days flying P-35 and P-40 aircraft during WWII to our modern role as the USAF's premier operational test and evaluation wing, the 53d has been at the forefront of advancing tactical air capabilities. We've trained thousands of aircrews, developed cutting edge tactics through programs like Black Flag, and have continuously improved the Air Force’s readiness in everything from?electronic warfare?to?close air support. Today, we stand as the?53d Wing, continuing our legacy of excellence from 16 different locations with over 2,700 dedicated personnel, ensuring the U.S. Air Force remains the world's most capable air force. ?? Here's to 84 years of unmatched service, innovation, and TEST! United States Air Force | Air Combat Command | Eglin Air Force Base #53dWing #AirForceHistory #OperationalTEST #AirForceInnovation #84YearsStrong ????

????Congratulations to the 53rd Test Support Squadron for winning the Association of Old Crows' 2024 Outstanding Unit Award! The 53rd TSS Advanced Threat Replication Flight plays a key role in supporting training, testing, and acquisition programs by developing realistic targets that simulate adversary forces. The team primarily designs and programs electronic warfare payloads for targets. “This is a huge win for the 53rd TSS,” said Col. Daniel Lehoski, 53rd Wing commander. “Their innovative contributions to electronic warfare are impressive, and this team truly deserves the recognition.” #WeOWNtheWIN #OperationalTEST #TestSupportSquadron #LethalForce #TEST Read more about their contributions to EW ?? https://lnkd.in/gQyUHkEu

#WidgetWednesday Have you seen this aircraft before? ?? Chances are, you haven’t—there are only two ?????? E-9A Widgets in the entire United States Department of Defense inventory! Both are stationed at Tyndall Air Force Base and are assigned to the 53rd Weapons Evaluation Group. The E-9A serves as an airborne test support platform and telemetry relay aircraft, specializing in ocean surface surveillance and tracking target telemetry for missile testing. With its unique mission, the Widget supports a wide range of DoD customers, playing a critical role in testing and developing the weapons systems delivered to our warfighters. United States Air Force | Air Combat Command #OWNtheWIN #DeliverTacticalAdvantage #E9A

#FastJetFriday ???? The 85th Test & Evaluation Squadron flew the first F-16 Integrated Viper Electronic Warfare Suite (IVEWS) flight here at Eglin Air Force Base recently. #DYK IVEWS is a self-protecting electronic warfare (EW) system on the F-16 that provides digital radar warnings and active jamming capability to detect, identify, locate, and counter potential threats? ??? “The success of this flight is a testament to the entire team working on this program,” said Lt. Col. Stephen Graham, F-16 Electronic Warfare Test Director. “Integrating a system at this level typically takes a long time, but thanks to the incredible people involved, we achieved this success quickly.” #OperationalTEST #WeOwnTheWIN #Lethality #AirSuperiority #F16 #IVEWS Air Combat Command United States Air Force

Adding a Different Voice to Operational Testing: Maintainers ?????The Maintenance Operational Test (MxOT) Division within the 59th Test and Evaluation Squadron bridges the gap between the world of operational test and maintaining these new capabilities. ???“Our main role is to provide a middle ground between maintainers and pilots, communicating requirements and support from both communities while still delivering capability to the warfighter,” said Capt. Cameron Castleberry, MXOT’s Project Manager. “The goal is to create a symbiotic relationship that enables us to get more testing accomplished.”? Read more about the division and their initiatives at ?? United States Air Force | Air Combat Command | Nellis AFB | #OperationalTEST #MxOT #AirForceMaintenance

Orange you glad to see our B-52? ???? Celebrating its rich history, the 49th Test and Evaluation Squadron unveiled a unique “test orange” paint scheme for the B-52 Stratofortress. “A heritage orange test and evaluation paint scheme represents a rich history of substantial advancements and progress within the United States Air Force, the test enterprise, and the B-52’s life cycle,” said Lt. Col. Sarah Silva, 49th TES commander.? Read more about the history of test orange and the B-52 at ???? https://lnkd.in/g5kNFRVm Air Force Global Strike Command

#WarfighterWednesday #Throwback to our first #BlackFlag test event in 2020 when F-15Es, F-16s, and F-22s from the 422nd Test and Evaluation squadron flew alongside a KC-46 over the Nevada Test and Training Range at Nellis AFB. Established as the test counterpart to #RedFlag ??, an event designed to train like we fight, #BlackFlag ?? allows the United States Air Force to test like we fight. While Red Flag builds readiness, Black flag builds capability. Air Combat Command #WeOwnTheWIN #OperationalTest #AirForceTEST