The F-22 Combined Test Force at Edwards AFB, Calif., has completed another first by flying an F-22 Raptor armed with the newest—as yet unfielded—AIM-120D Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missile. The Edwards crew was checking noise and vibration effects on the missile. The AMRAAM is still under development at Eglin AFB, Fla. The Raptor CTF is helping Eglin develop the weapon, said Capt. Jason Armstrong, a 411th Flight Test Squadron armament engineer. The new D model of the missile has a newer navigation system that could react differently to “vibro-accoustics,” so test engineers are checking in actual flight the modeling and assumptions generated by missile-maker Raytheon.
The Air Force's new Aircraft Readiness Unit will maintain and provide Collaborative Combat Aircraft for operations, but won’t serve as a “schoolhouse” teaching fighter pilots how to manage these escort drones.