The sortie places the T-7A programme more firmly inside an Air Force effort to merge technical testing with early warfighter feedback. The service said the approach is intended to accelerate capability delivery while reducing the divide between developmental testing and operational testing.
The aircraft carried a developmental test pilot from the 412th Test Wing and an AFOTEC operational weapon systems officer in the cockpit together. That pairing was designed to assess both whether the aircraft meets technical design requirements and whether it can support the mission needs of future aircrew.
The flight positions the Airpower Foundations Combined Test Force to begin combined developmental and operational test flights. For the Air Force, the work is tied directly to advancing the pilot training pipeline and preparing aircrew for newer combat aircraft.
The milestone followed less than a month after the B-21 Raider flew a sortie with an operational test pilot at the controls. The Air Force said both events reflect a broader push by the test enterprise to integrate developmental and operational testing earlier in acquisition programmes.
“This is a true testament to the team and greater test enterprise,” said Col. Matthew Guasco, AFOTEC Detachment 5 Commander. “Gone are the days of stove piped DT and OT paradigms.”
“The integration that is occurring now ensures we identify needs early in production,” Guasco said. “We’re essentially baking in warfighter feedback prior to large lot purchases. And we’re moving at a pace to ensure our future warfighters have the tools they need to maximize lethality from day one.”
Maj. Kevin Ueunten, AFOTEC T-7A Test Director, used the flight to collect early operational test data. The sortie also provided initial insight into how effectively the Red Hawk can train future weapon systems officers.
“This flight was a big first step for the T-7 Integrated Test Team,” said Ueunten. “By beginning integrated flight testing, AFOTEC aircrew can collect operational test data early. These kinds of flights allow for the seamless transition into joint DT/OT operations for flight test. Ideally, this will result in an efficient and optimized Initial Operational Test and Evaluation process.”
The Air Force’s chief T-7 developmental test pilot, Maj. Aaron Seyfried, said Ueunten’s operational background was especially useful at this stage of the aircraft’s development. “Leveraging the operational and flight test experience of Major Ueunten brings a fresh set of eyes and perspective at a crucial time in the development of the T-7,” said Seyfried.
“His background as an F-15E Strike Eagle WSO provides invaluable insight to the combined test team and his opinions will make the T-7 a more effective training platform for future aircrew,” Seyfried said. The Red Hawk is designed to replace the 67-year-old T-38 Talon and prepare student pilots for 5th- and 6th-generation combat aircraft, including the F-22 Raptor, F-35 Lightning II and B-21 Raider.
