09/19/2003-EDWARDS AFB, Calif. (AFMCNS) — A record-setting seven F/A-22 Raptors simultaneously filled the skies here Aug. 29 as Combined Test Force experts successfully conducted several test and training missions.
Test force experts completed the first four-ship flight test of the Intra-flight Data Link with Raptors 4005, 4006, 4007 and 4008, according to Donald Blanton, 411th Flight Test Squadron Lockheed Martin deputy engineer. Along with the IFDL four-ship testing, CTF members carried out the initial operational test and evaluation, or IOT&E, with Raptors 4002, 4003 and 4009. In all, 16 aircraft were airborne to support these tests, including chase aircraft and tankers. All seven Raptors logged 17.7 flight hours. Col. C. R. Davis, 412th Test Wing commander, flew as an F-16 chase pilot during the mission.
“Friday was a great day for the men and women of the F/A-22 Combined Test Force,” said Davis. “I had the privilege of supporting the first-ever four-ship Raptor flight. While the formation was beautiful to see from the air, I’m sure it was much more impressive to all those on the ground who worked so hard during the last few months to make these missions happen — my hat’s off to them.”
The four-ship mission tested the IFDL — a low-probability-of-intercept transmitter that allows Raptor pilots to automatically share flight information with other airborne crews without using radio communications, Blanton said.
IFDL provides pilots clear situational awareness, he said. It’s unique to the Raptor because target information is communicated continuously between multiple aircraft, reducing its vulnerability to radar and infrared threats.
He also said IFDL is equipped with integrated sensor fusion capabilities that include electronic warfare and radar systems, as well as communication, navigation and identification, or CNI, capabilities. Currently, the Raptor is the only aircraft equipped with this type of communication system.
“The four-ship test is a high-priority item for the F/A-22,” said Blanton. “This particular test was unique for a test aircraft; however, once the aircraft becomes operational it will become more routine.”
“This was an important day for the successful demonstration of the Raptor’s diverse capabilities,” Maj. Gen. Doug Pearson, Air Force Flight Test Center commander and mission F-15 chase pilot. “The capabilities tested ranged from one extreme to another, illustrating how much the program has expanded the aviation technology envelop with this aircraft.”
According to Pearson, senior Air Force leadership feels the test program has significantly improved during the past year, and recent testing reinforces the trend. In a recent visit here, Maj. Gen. Mark Welsh saw the program improvements first hand. Welsh is the Global Power Programs mission area director in the assistant secretary of the Air Force for acquisitions office at the Pentagon.
“It’s amazing what happens when you get everyone in the program integrated and working together,” said Welsh. “What’s more impressive, though, is coming out to Edwards and meeting all the amazing people working on the Raptor.”
Currently Edwards has nine Raptors — five are used for developmental test and evaluation, while the other four are used for operational testing.
As of Sept. 2, CTF experts reached 4,000 flight hours, a mere 14 weeks after surpassing the 3,500-hour goal. Officials said the F/A-22 test program will continue developmental and operational test and evaluation at Edwards for the next several years.
Air Combat Command Public Affairs, ACC/PAI
