AFOTEC Eval Included JDAM Deployment

Aero-News has learned the Air Force Operational Test and Evaluation Center at Kirtland AFB in Albuquerque, NM recently completed the F-22A Raptor Follow-on Operational Test and Evaluation (FOT&E) -- and has rated the Air Force’s newest fighter as mission capable in the air-to-ground role.

“This was a significant milestone in terms of validating the F-22A’s combat capability,” said Major General Robin Scott, AFOTEC commander. “We are confident we have provided Air Combat Command and senior Air Force leaders with an accurate and complete picture not only of the Raptor’s impressive operational capabilities but also where additional resources can be focused to further mature and sustain this 21st Century fighter.”

The capabilities evaluated during the operational test included the areas of deployability, sortie generation, and Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM) employment. The test also evaluated Initial Operational Test and Evaluation items that were deferred during the original IOC process.

Those items were corrected, AFOTEC representatives told Aero-News.

The “Mission Capable” rating is part of a new system AFOTEC recently started applying to programs under test at the center. The new rating methodology starts with traditional effectiveness and suitability measures as a foundation for determining potential operational impacts on mission accomplishment in the expected operational environment. This new methodology was developed by AFOTEC in an effort to provide warfighters and senior Air Force leaders with capability-based evaluations that are accurate, balanced, and more focused on actual operations scenarios.

“It was the outstanding teamwork between AFOTEC and ACC testers that enabled us to conduct the most complex operational test ever on a tactical aircraft,” said Col. Matthew Black, AFOTEC’s Detachment 6 commander at Nellis AFB, NV.

Nellis crews conducted the actual FOT&E, according to AFOTEC.

FMI: www.af.mil