Sept. 16, 2025 Innovative Radio Connects Global Aircraft When the 85th Test and Evaluation Squadron needed a solution for reliable, long-range communication with its aircraft, Tech. Sgt. Gabriel Simonsen stepped up, pioneering the implementation of a cutting-edge satellite communication (SATCOM) system that has revolutionized the squadron's capabilities.
Aug. 15, 2025 59 TES’ MxOT Tests First Live Engine Oil Service on F-22 Raptor In a milestone test that could revolutionize maintenance procedures across the U.S. Air Force's fighter fleet, the 59th Test and Evaluation Test Squadron’s Maintenance Operational Test division at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, successfully conducted its first event to service the F-22 Raptor’s F119
Oct. 4, 2024 B-52 honors legacy with “test orange” paint scheme BUFF celebrates historical roots and future modernization with an orange paint scheme.
Aug. 4, 2021 53rd Wing executes Black Flag 21-2 The 53rd Wing conducted Black Flag 21-2, the largest Black Flag to date July 13-16, 2021. The three-day large force joint test event occurred included more than 30 Air Force and Navy aircraft.
May 17, 2021 For the Warfighter: Operational Test advances at NE21 As Northern Edge 21 concludes, the 53rd Wing is returning home having achieved major test objectives for multiple weapons systems May 3-14, 2021. In addition to F-15EX deep end testing and B-52 long-range kill chain milestones for hypersonic weapons, the 53d Wing’s F-35s, MQ-9s, F-15Cs and F-15Es,
May 11, 2021 Project Strike Rodeo: F-15E loaded with five JASSMs The 85th Test and Evaluation Squadron completed a munitions proof-of-concept called Project Strike Rodeo, May 11, 2021, that validated loading five AGM-158 Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missiles (JASSM) on an F-15E Strike Eagle. This lays the foundation for follow-on flight testing that would more
May 6, 2021 B-52 Hypersonic Kill Chain Employment Success A B-52 Stratofortress from the 49th Test and Evaluation Squadron, Barksdale Air Force Base, Louisiana, conducted a successful simulated hypersonic kill chain employment from sensor to shooter and back during Northern Edge 21, May 5, 2021.
May 5, 2021 F-15EX takes to the Alaska skies for deep end test Just weeks after delivery to Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, the F-15EX – both 001 and 002 – have taken to the Alaska skies for Northern Edge 21, May 3-14, 2021.
April 27, 2021 F-15EX takes flight An F-15EX Eagle II from the 85th Test and Evaluation Squadron, 53rd Wing, takes flight for the first time out of Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., April 26, 2021, prior to departure for Northern Edge 2021. The F-15EX brings next-generation combat technology to a highly successful fighter airframe that is
April 20, 2021 53rd Wing welcomes F-15EX “002” The 53rd Wing welcomed the second F-15EX Eagle II to Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., April 20, 2021. Flown in by Maj. Aaron Eshkenazi, F-15 pilot, the second F-15EX showcases the 53rd Wing’s traditional “OT” tail flash and is assigned to the 85th Test and Evaluation Squadron.