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Air Force Test Center (AFTC), 412th Test Wing

Known as the Center of the Aerospace Testing Universe, Edwards AFB is responsible for ensuring that our Warfighters are provided with the best tools available in order to successfully execute their missions. Of the units of command residing at Edwards, JT4 supports the 412th Test Wing, an organization within the Air Force Test Center (AFTC). The AFTC is responsible for conducting and analyzing data from ground and flight tests of aircraft, weapons systems and other modeling and simulation software for the U.S. Air Force.

JT4’s high-performing team of engineering, technical professionals and support personnel provide critical flight test functions and capabilities while also applying innovative and cost saving solutions for the 412th Test Wing. Our team provides a full spectrum of engineering and technical support services for test programs such as the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter (JSF).

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Innovative to the core

Innovation is our middle name. We develop cutting-edge technologies such as the Receiver Simulation Tool (RST), which saves the U.S. Air Force both time and money. The RST is a ground-based system that allows our customer to simulate events when aerial refueling occurs between a receiver aircraft and a new tanker. Designed with legacy tankers such as the KC-10, this technology allows us to obtain baseline data that can be used to test new aerial refueling aircraft. READ MORE >

Where we work

We support the research, development and testing of aerospace systems at Edwards AFB. The base occupies roughly 640 miles of desert and is home to the U.S. Air Force Test Pilot School and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration’s (NASA) Armstrong Flight Research Center. The range’s more than 20,000 square miles of airspace include three supersonic corridors and four aircraft spin areas (unique airspace with easy access to a runway that allows for aggressive and high-risk developmental testing of aircraft).

Edwards AFB’s diverse blend of natural resources, climate, technical and human support have aided in its successful development as a leader in flight testing and support. Virtually every aircraft system that has entered the USAF inventory has been tested and supported at Edwards. JT4 employees can be found hard at work all over the base, including our Range Management Office, mission control rooms, engineering design and development office, as well as each of the various aircraft squadron test center locations.

Platforms and exercises supported

On average, JT4 supports approximately 300 missions per month out of Edwards AFB Test Center. Our staff helps maintain ground test facilities and assists with operational and developmental testing for fighters, bombers, tankers and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). Examples include the F-22 Raptor, the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter and the RQ-4A Global Hawk Unmanned Combat Aerial System. We also provide support for large force exercises (LFEs) like Orange Flag.

F-22 Raptor

F-35 Lightning

RQ-4 Global Hawk

B-52 Stratofortress

Orange Flag

I joined the J-Tech team in 2007. Despite my lack of experience, they took a risk on me. I was mentored, participated in JT4’s Employee Educational and Training Assistance Program (EETAP), stayed motivated and with JT4’s help, I was able to move from an entry-level position all the way to Section Supervisor of the Development Engineering Group at Edwards. JT4 has become more than a workplace—it is a family––one that I am proud to represent and work for every day!

– Michael S., Section Supervisor (CA)

Setting records

JT4 is grateful to be a part of Edwards AFB, where cutting-edge technology is developed and tested every day and making history is nothing out of the ordinary. Edwards has seen more major milestones in flight than anywhere in the world and is at the forefront of all major aerospace developments.

In 1947, Chuck Yeager was the first person to break the sound barrier when he flew the experimental Bell X-1 across then Muroc Army Air Base, which later became Edwards AFB. JT4 is a proud sponsor of the Air Force Flight Test Museum located at Edwards, which chronicles over 75 years of such flight test research at Edwards and the surrounding region.
The largest compass rose in the world can be found at Edwards AFB. Painted onto Rogers Dry Lake bed, it allows aircraft to land into the wind (a desirable feature that requires less runway) from any direction. The JT4 Range Management Office is located just a couple of miles southeast of the 4,000-feet diameter directional indicator.
Edwards AFB is home of the Benefield Anechoic Facility (BAF). As the largest anechoic chamber in the world, the BAF can literally house any aircraft. It provides a "free space" so electronic warfare tests can be conducted without radio frequency interference from the outside world. The chamber floor is covered in polyurethane and polyethylene pyramids that are used to stop electromagnetic wave reflections. JT4 regularly supports ground testing efforts in the BAF.
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A message from the range manager

It takes a diverse, highly-respected and innovative team to support the 412th TW and Edwards AFB, where we develop, test and evaluate the newest weapon systems and capabilities for our customers—the Warfighter. I’m proud to work side-by-side with the dedicated individuals of the JT4 team at Edwards who take part in developing first-of-kind defense technologies and making aviation history.

– Rey Garza, Range Manager
Meet Ray

Where we live

Most JT4 employees who support Edwards AFB have made their homes in the Antelope Valley, which includes the cities of Lancaster, Palmdale and Rosamond. Centrally located, the Antelope Valley is one of the few places in Southern California where you can go snowboarding and surfing in a single day trip. These quiet and friendly small-town communities in Los Angeles County are also an easy drive from the big city.
West of Lancaster lies a natural reserve that provides the perfect climate for the California poppy. Stop by in the springtime and hit any trail in the Antelope Valley California Poppy Preserve to experience a stunning display of California’s state flower.
The Antelope Valley, also known as Aerospace Valley, lives up to its name with numerous spectacular air shows featuring fan favorites like the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds.
Los Angeles is just an hour and a half drive from Edwards AFB and opens the doors to an array of options for indoor and outdoor dining and entertainment. Museums, art shows, amusement parks, celebrities, sports and much more—Los Angeles has it all.
The Antelope Valley offers a wide selection of breweries and wineries. A few nearby vineyards offer passersby a chance to indulge in a tasting while enjoying beautiful views looking over the valley.
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Contact Us

Location:
192 E. Yeager Blvd.
Building 3951
Edwards AFB, CA 93524

Mailing Address:
P.O. Box 308
Edwards, CA 93523-0308

Phone: 661.277.4900
Fax: 661.277.9032

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Our Mission

Partner with our customers to develop and maintain integrated test and training range environments by providing highly skilled scientific, engineering, technical, and support personnel. We prepare our nation’s Warfighters for the missions of today while building new capabilities to meet the global challenges of tomorrow.

© JT4, LLC 2024
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The appearance of U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) visual information does not imply or constitute DoD endorsement.

F-22 Raptor

JT4 is at the forefront of the developmental testing of one of the most advanced fighter jets in the world, the F-22 Raptor. JT4 instrumentation engineers, technicians and armament team are responsible for designing, modifying and implementing an advanced data acquisition system for the Raptor, which allows for the collection and transmission of data for both real-time and post-mission evaluation. JT4 data analysts, test conductors and directors play a critical role in the post-test data analysis, allowing for further development of the fighter with enhanced capabilities and cutting-edge technology.

F-35 Lightning

The JT4 team is part of the Air Force’s premier flight test squadron, known as the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter Integrated Test Force. JT4 provides engineering, technician, data analyst and armament support for the successful testing of the world’s most advanced 5th Generation fighter jet, not only for the Air Force, but also the Navy, Marine Corps and partner nations. This integrated test team is an exceptionally high-performing unit with global impact, focused on upholding flight test excellence.

RQ-4 Global Hawk

JT4 plays a vital role in in the testing of unmanned aerial systems (UAS) from small air vehicles up to the larger RQ-4 (Global Hawk) and its multiple payloads. Through a team effort involving discipline engineering, test conductors and directors, system administration and data management, the JT4 test team is an integral part of our national defense, allowing our service members at home and abroad to be able to execute their missions as safely and effectively as possible.

B-52 Stratofortress

At the Birk Flight Test Facility at Edwards AFB, JT4 plays an integral role supporting the Bomber flight test squadron in continued developmental testing for the last three generations of bomber aircraft: the B-52 Stratofortress, B-1 Lancer and B-2 Spirit. JT4 personnel have provided engineers, technicians, test conductors, test directors, and data analysts supporting the development of new capabilities on all three platforms. This includes cutting-edge testing of hypersonic weapons of the future. JT4 personnel are helping the Air Force pave the way to the next generation Bomber, the B-21 Raider.

Orange Flag

The 412th TW calls upon JT4 to support one of the largest-scale tests conducted at Edwards AFB. Known as Orange Flag, this exercise provides an opportunity for the Air Force to test technological improvements and integration across multiple airframes and ground support entities. These events tie into virtually all aspects of JT4’s support, from the personnel that maintain the facilities these aircraft are housed in, to the engineers and analysts that process and review the data during and after the tests, JT4 works seamlessly, side-by-side with our Air Force counterparts to ensure the success of the Orange Flag effort.