190130-F-CX978-0230 NF-16D VISTA becomes X-62A The Variable In-flight Simulator Aircraft (VISTA) flies in the skies over Edwards Air Force Base, California, shortly after receiving its new paint scheme in early 2019. The aircraft was resdesignated from NF-16D to the X-62A, June 14, 2021. (Air Force photo by Christian Turner)

A U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon flies over Afghanistan, March 17, 2020. The F-16 Fighting Falcon is a compact, multi-role fighter aircraft that delivers war- winning airpower to the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Matthew Lotz)

110317-F-9126Z-420 The United States Air Force Test Pilot School’s VISTA (Variable stability In-flight Simulator Test Aircraft) F-16 positions itself underneath a KC-135 refueler during a flight test mission conducted by TPS students March 17, 2011. The maneuver is part of the Basic Envelope Air Refueling Control Laws, or BEAR CLAW, test project, which is aimed at obtaining preliminary data leading ultimately to have a remotely piloted aircraft conduct air-to-air refueling. (U.S. Air Force photo/Bobbi Zapka)

110321-F-QG253-459 The view from a KC-135 tanker from Altus Air Force Base, Okla., while the United States Air Force Test Pilot School’s VISTA (Variable stability In-flight Simulator Test Aircraft) F-16 connects to the boom during a flight test March 17, 2011. The maneuver is part of the Basic Envelope Air Refueling Control Laws, or BEAR CLAW, test project, which is aimed at obtaining preliminary data leading ultimately to have a remotely piloted aircraft conduct air-to-air refueling. (U.S. Air Force photo/Bobbi Zapka)

110321-F-QG253-483 Real-world projects prepare students for future flight test The NF-16D Variable Stability In-Flight Simulator Test Aircraft (VISTA) is one of the core-curriculum aircraft that students, attending the U.S. Air Force Test Pilot School, may fly during the completion of their test management project, which is a real-world, real-impact test program. (U.S. Air Force photo by Bobbi Zapka)

160830-F-ZZ999-050 L1 Adaptive Control test The F-16 VISTA tracks and targets a T-38’s during testing of the L1 Adaptive Control System recently. The control system was designed and built by a team from the University of Illinois, Urbana Champaign, and tested by U.S. Air Force Test Pilot School Class 16A as a Test Management Program. (U.S. Air Force Photo by Capt. Craig Porter)

220826-F-DB956-1126 DOD artificial intelligence agents successfully pilot fighter jet The X-62A Variable Stability In-Flight Simulator Test Aircraft, or VISTA, flies over Palmdale, Calif., Aug. 26, 2022. A joint Department of Defense team executed 12 artificial intelligence, or AI, flight tests in which AI agents piloted the X-62A VISTA to perform advanced fighter maneuvers at Edwards Air Force Base, Calif., Dec. 1-16, 2022. (U.S. Air Force photo / Kyle Brasier)

220920-F-HC101-1001 X-62 VISTA completes first flight test VSS The X-62 VISTA (Variable In-Flight Simulator Test Aircraft) successfully completed it’s first flight test of the new VISTA Simulation System (VSS) at Edwards Air Force Base, California, Sept. 20. The VSS is instrumental in the process to get the aircraft and it’s simulation systems operational to begin testing the VISTA’s System for Autonomous Control Simulation (SACS) in the coming months. The VISTA’s successful flight is a direct reflection on the long hours of work by the Calspan, Lockheed Martin ADP, and USAF Test Pilot School development and test teams. (Air Force photo by Giancarlo Casem)

X-62 VISTA completes first flight test VSS The X-62 VISTA (Variable In-Flight Simulator Test Aircraft) successfully completed it’s first flight test of the new VISTA Simulation System (VSS) at Edwards Air Force Base, California, Sept. 20. The VSS is instrumental in the process to get the aircraft and it’s simulation systems operational to begin testing the VISTA’s System for Autonomous Control Simulation (SACS) in the coming months. The VISTA’s successful flight is a direct reflection on the long hours of work by the Calspan, Lockheed Martin ADP, and USAF Test Pilot School development and test teams. (Air Force photo by Giancarlo Casem)

220920-F-HC101-1003 X-62 VISTA completes first flight test VSS The X-62 VISTA (Variable In-Flight Simulator Test Aircraft) successfully completed it’s first flight test of the new VISTA Simulation System (VSS) at Edwards Air Force Base, California, Sept. 20. The VSS is instrumental in the process to get the aircraft and it’s simulation systems operational to begin testing the VISTA’s System for Autonomous Control Simulation (SACS) in the coming months. The VISTA’s successful flight is a direct reflection on the long hours of work by the Calspan, Lockheed Martin ADP, and USAF Test Pilot School development and test teams. (Air Force photo by Giancarlo Casem)

240502-F-DG623-1060 AF Secretary Kendall experiences VISTA of future flight test at Edwards Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall flies in the X-62 VISTA in the skies above Edwards Air Force Base, California, May 2. (Air Force photo by Richard Gonzales)

240502-F-DG623-1164 AF Secretary Kendall experiences VISTA of future flight test at Edwards Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall flies in the X-62 VISTA in the skies above Edwards Air Force Base, California, May 2. (Air Force photo by Richard Gonzales)

240502-F-XQ612-0190 AF Secretary Kendall experiences VISTA of future flight test at Edwards Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall, onboard the X-62 VISTA, takes off from Edwards Air Force Base, California, May 2. (Air Force photo by Madeline Guadarrama)

171107-F-PM645-9171 Personnel on Air Force One depart Yokota Air Base, Japan, Nov. 7, 2017, after President of the United States Donald J. Trump first visit Japan. Trump was in Japan for three days as part of a 12 day tour of the Indo-Asia Pacific region. (U.S. Air Force photo by Yasuo Osakabe)

040504-F-2621S-004 The mission of the VC-25 aircraft — Air Force One — is to provide air transport for the president of the United States. The presidential air transport fleet consists of two specially configured Boeing 747-200B’s — tail numbers 28000 and 29000 — with the Air Force designation VC-25. When the president is aboard either aircraft, or any Air Force aircraft, the radio call sign is “Air Force One.” (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Elizabeth Slater)

120821-F-AQ406-9039 Air Force One, a VC-25A aircraft, lands at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev., Aug. 21, 2012. The VC-25A was a modified version of the Boeing 747 aircraft. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Daniel Hughes/Released)

180529-Z-SW189-9008 Air Force one lands at Nashville International Airport, on May 29, 2018 in Nashville, Tennessee.(U.S. Air National Guard photo by Tech. Sgt. Danielle Hopkins)

180612-F-BM568-9046 Air Force One refuels at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, on President Donald Trump’s return to Washington D.C. from the North Korea summit, June 12, 2018. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Brittany A. Chase)

260619-F-XX000-1001 VC-25B Bridge aircraft arrives at Joint Base Andrews, begins commissioning flights. (U.S. Air Force courtesy photo)

260619-F-XX000-1003 VC-25B Bridge aircraft arrives at Joint Base Andrews, begins commissioning flights. (U.S. Air Force courtesy photo).

260704-F-RJ686-1104 VC-25B Bridge salutes Freedom 250 A VC-25B Bridge assigned to the 89th Airlift Wing takes off in preparation for a Freedom 250 flyover from Joint Base Andrews, Md., July 4, 2026. The 2026 celebrations observed the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Julia Lebens)

260704-F-RJ686-1104 VC-25B Bridge salutes Freedom 250 A VC-25B Bridge assigned to the 89th Airlift Wing takes off in preparation for a Freedom 250 flyover from Joint Base Andrews, Md., July 4, 2026. The 2026 celebrations observed the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Julia Lebens)

260624-F-CC148-9005 Dress rehearsal The Air Force’s VC-25B Bridge aircraft is escorted by F-22 Raptors assigned to the 1st Fighter Wing over Washington, D.C., June 26, 2026. The flight rehearsed the HUGE 1 flyover for the America 250 Independence Day celebration and demonstrated the coordination required for a large-scale aerial tribute. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Lauren Diaz)

070320-F-2533P-312 Hurricane Hunters A WC-130J Hercules from the 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron Hurricane Hunters flies a mission. The Air Force Reserve squadron is part of the 403rd Wing at Keesler Air Force Base, Miss. The data collected by the Hurricane Hunters increases the accuracy of the National Hurricane Center Forecast by 30 percent. (U.S. Air Force Photo/Tech. Sgt. James B. Pritchett)

110902-F-RL023-013 The center of circulation of a tropical storm can be seen as the WC-130J aircraft flies over the eye. The 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron “Hurricane Hunters,” were heading back to Keesler Air Force Base in Biloxi, Miss, after penetrating the storm. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Valerie Smock)

290109-F-IE88D-1001 HURCON – 1 A U.S. Air Force graphic displays information about the hurricane condition scale to inform the public about hurricane preparations at Keesler Air Force Base, Mississippi, Aug. 29, 2023. The HURCON scale is an alert scale used by the Department of Defense and other federal agencies to indicate the state of emergency and to estimate the time until the onset of destructive winds from a hurricane. (U.S. Air Force graphic by Airman 1st Class Devyn Waits)

070320-F-2533P-402 Citizen Airmen return to Keesler, chase Hanna, Ike “Hurricane Hunters” such as these aircraft, the WC-130J (right) and C-130J-30, are part of the Air Force Reserve’s 403rd Wing located at Keesler Air Force Base, Miss. (U.S. Air Force Photo/Tech. Sgt. James B. Pritchett)

040201-F-2533P-101 Hurricane Hunters take on winter storms A WC-130J readies for takeoff at Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska. Reserve Hurricane Hunters of the 403rd Wing from Keesler AFB, Miss., deployed for a month to collect weather data ahead of pending winter storms. The data they collect increases the accuracy of the National Weather Service forecast by 10 to 20 percent. (U.S. Air Force photo/Tech. Sgt. James B. Pritchett)

AFNORTH Hurricane Hunters on the move Air Force WC-130J aircraft and reservists from the 403rd Wing at Keesler Air Force Base, Miss., continue to fly daily weather reconnaissance missions into Hurricane Gustav and Tropical Storm Hannah from Homestead Air Reserve Base, Fla. The Hurricane Hunters aid the National Weather Service in providing the storms’ projected path to the American public and are the only operational unit in the world flying weather reconnaissance on a routine basis. (U.S. Air Force photo/Tim Norton)

080910-F-2533P-223 Hurricane Hunters track Ike A WC-130J Hurricane Hunter takes off for a mission into the eye of Hurricane Ike Sept. 10 from Keesler Air Force Base, Miss. With the exception of two palletized weather stations, the WC-130J is not modified for missions into hurricanes and other troical weather. The aircraft is manned by reservists from the 53rd Weather Reconniassance Squadron. (U.S. Air Force photo/Tech. Sgt. James B. Pritchett)

211013-F-KV687-1084 Hurricane Hunters testing new SATCOM capabilities A WC-130J Super Hercules aircraft assigned to the 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron Hurricane Hunters at Keesler Air Force Base, Miss., takes off for a training flight Oct. 13, 2021. During the flight, a team tested new satellite communications capabilities that could enable more information to be disseminated during weather reconnaissance flights. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Kristen Pittman)

050921-F-3742P-002 Hurricane Hunter DOBBINS AIR RESERVE BASE, Ga. — Hurricane Hunters from the Air Force Reserve’s 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron land their WC-130J Hercules here after a flight to check on Hurricane Rita. The Airmen gather information on the storm including atmospheric pressure, temperature, humidity, barometric pressure, wind speed and direction and send it directly to the National Hurricane Center. The Hurricane Hunters are the only Department of Defense organization still flying into tropical storms and hurricanes, and have done so since 1944. (U.S. Air Force photo by Don Peek)

211012-F-KV687-1014 Hurricane Hunters testing new SATCOM capabilities A WC-130J Super Hercules aircraft assigned to the 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron sits on the flightline at Keesler Air Force Base, Miss., Oct. 12, 2021. The attachment on top of the aircraft is a satellite antenna the squadron tested that will enhance in-flight data transmission capabilities, resulting in more information for forecasters at the National Hurricane Center to work with. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Kristen Pittman)

EC02-0083-12 NASA Dryden’s B-52H in flight. Image Credit: NASA/Jim Ross

EC02-0083-12 NASA Dryden’s B-52H in flight. Image Credit: NASA/Jim Ross

EC02-0083-3 NASA Dryden’s B-52H in flight Image Credit: NASA/Jim Ross

EC02-0083-2 B-52H over Dryden Flight Research Center Image Credit: NASA/Jim Ross

EC03-0258-19 NASA’s new B-52H is seen here on the ramp at the Dryden Flight Research Center, Edwards, California. Image Credit: NASA/Tony Landis

EC02-0083-1 B-52H over Dryden Flight Research Center Image Credit: NASA/Jim Ross

EC04-0194-19 A newly constructed pylon (green) for carrying aerospace vehicles aloft flies attached to the wing of NASA Dryden Flight Research Center’s B-52H aircraft.Image Credit: NASA/Jim Ross

EC01-0220-1 A B-52H, on loan to NASA’s Dryden Flight Research Center, makes a pass down the runway prior to landing at Edwards Air Force Base, California. Image Credit: NASA/Tony Landis

EC01-0220-6 A B-52H, tail number 61-0025, arrives at NASA’s Dryden Flight Research Center after landing July 30, 2001. Image Credit: NASA/Tom Tschida

EC01-0204-2 X-38 flies free from NASA’s B-52 mothership, July 10, 2001 The second free-flight test of an evolving series of X-38 prototypes took place July 10, 2001 when the X-38 was released from NASA’s B-52 mothership over the Edwards Air Force Base range in California’s Mojave Desert. Shortly after the photo was taken, a sequenced deployment of a drogue parachute followed by a large parafoil fabric wing slowed the X-38 to enable it to land safely on Rogers Dry Lake at Edwards. NASA engineers from the Dryden Flight Research Center at Edwards, and the Johnson Space Center, Houston, Texas, are developing a “lifeboat” for the International Space Station based on X-38 research. Image Credit: NASA/Jim Ross

200317-F-AI558-9202 A U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon flies over Afghanistan, March 17, 2020. The F-16 Fighting Falcon is a compact, multi-role fighter aircraft that delivers war- winning airpower to the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Matthew Lotz)

210827-F-AA323-1021 F-16C taxiing for takeoff A U.S. Air Force F-16C equipped with Lockheed Martin’s Legion Pod tests the infrared search and track technology during exercise Northern Lightning 21. (U.S. Space Force by Senior Airman Mira Roman)

210827-F-AA323-1021 F-16C taxiing for takeoff A U.S. Air Force F-16C equipped with Lockheed Martin’s Legion Pod tests the infrared search and track technology during exercise Northern Lightning 21. (U.S. Space Force by Senior Airman Mira Roman)

210827-F-AA323-1022 F-16D departure A U.S. Air Force F-16D equipped with Lockheed Martin’s Legion Pod tests the infrared search and track technology during exercise Northern Lightning 21. (U.S. Air National Guard Photo by PAO Kristen Keehan)

240723-F-LY743-9792 As fast as Lightning A U.S. Air Force F-35A Lightning II assigned to the F-35A Lightning II Demonstration Team performs at the Experimental Aircraft Association AirVenture airshow, over Oshkosh, Wis., July 23, 2024. The F-35A is an agile, versatile, high-performance, 9G capable multirole fighter that combines stealth, sensor fusion and unprecedented situational awareness. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Zachary Rufus)

The F-35 Cooperative Avionics Test Bed (CATBird) supports software development for upcoming F-35B/C developmental and operational tests, including the elements of the Joint Precision Approach and Landing System (JPALS). When fully implemented, JPALS will benefit carrier-based air traffic control by enabling automatic carrier landings (auto-land), enhancing aircraft position reporting, and increasing Tactical Air Navigation (TACAN) functionality. (U.S. Navy photo courtesy of Lockheed Martin)

070301-F-0289B-021 F-35 JSF avionics test bed arrives at Edwards The F-35 Joint Strike Fighter program’s Cooperative Avionics Test Bed, or CATB, aircraft lands here March 1, 2007, to perform equipment fit checks. The aircraft is a Boeing 737-300 specially modified to perform mission systems testing for the F-35 program. (Photo by Chad Bellay)

070301-F-0289B-021 F-35 JSF avionics test bed arrives at Edwards The F-35 Joint Strike Fighter program’s Cooperative Avionics Test Bed, or CATB, aircraft lands here March 1, 2007, to perform equipment fit checks. The aircraft is a Boeing 737-300 specially modified to perform mission systems testing for the F-35 program. (Photo by Chad Bellay)

The F-35 Cooperative Avionics Test Bed (CATBird) supports software development for upcoming F-35B/C developmental and operational tests, including the elements of the Joint Precision Approach and Landing System (JPALS). When fully implemented, JPALS will benefit carrier-based air traffic control by enabling automatic carrier landings (auto-land), enhancing aircraft position reporting, and increasing Tactical Air Navigation (TACAN) functionality. (U.S. Navy photo courtesy of Lockheed Martin)

161113-F-BE432-179 F-22 Raptor demonstrates at Nellis U.S. Air Force Maj. Dan Dickinson, F-22 Raptor Demonstration Team pilot, executes a transition maneuver during the 2016 Air Power over Southern Nevada Air Show at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev., Nov. 13, 2016. Dickinson is an F-22 fighter pilot with more than 900 flying hours. (U.S. Air Force photo by 2nd Lt. Mahalia Frost)

241023-O-NE299-1001 F-22 Raptors from Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada fly in formation with the Boeing 757 Flying Test Bed near Edwards Air Force Base, California. The 411th Flight Test Squadron, Air Force Operational Test and Evaluation Center, Lockheed Martin, and Boeing work together within the Air Dominance Combined Test Force at Edwards Air Force Base to test capability enhancements for the F-22 Raptor. This includes early integration with warfighters through combined developmental and operational testing efforts. (Courtesy photo by Kyle Larson)

170526-F-ZZ999-411 F-22 Flying Test Bed is tip of the spear for Raptor mission systems Two F-22 Raptors from the 411th Flight Test Squadron fly over Edwards Air Force Base, California. (Courtesy photo by Chad Bellay/Lockheed Martin)

170503-F-JG201-001 F-22 Flying Test Bed is tip of the spear for Raptor mission systems Members of the F-22 Flying Test Bed team pose for a photo in front of the highly modified Boeing 757 May 3. The FTB routinely flies with real Raptors both at Edwards and Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada in order to gain an early look at F-22 mission software before the software is released to developmental flight test, mainly at Edwards. The FTB can fly up to 30 crewmembers. (U.S. Air Force photo by Ethan Wagner)

170503-F-JG201-001 F-22 Flying Test Bed is tip of the spear for Raptor mission systems Members of the F-22 Flying Test Bed team pose for a photo in front of the highly modified Boeing 757 May 3. The FTB routinely flies with real Raptors both at Edwards and Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada in order to gain an early look at F-22 mission software before the software is released to developmental flight test, mainly at Edwards. The FTB can fly up to 30 crewmembers. (U.S. Air Force photo by Ethan Wagner)

C-5 still going strong after 38 years A modernized version of the C-5 Galaxy, known as the C-5M, made its maiden flight at Dobbins Air Reserve Base, Ga., on Monday, June 19. Upgrades to the venerable airlifter include new, more powerful engines; a modern cockpit with a digital, all weather flight control system, a new communications suite and enhanced navigation and safety equipment. (Lockheed Martin photo)

YF-22 Advanced Technology Fighter fires a missile The YF-22 Advanced Technology Fighter fires a missile in flight over the Pacific Ocean. (Courtesy photo)

070521-F-1234S-005 Lockheed Martin F-22A During a test mission on July 25, 2002, this F-22 became the first Raptor to fire an air-to-air missile at supersonic speed when it fired an AIM-9 Sidewinder. This aircraft is now on display at the National Museum of the United States Air Force. (U.S. Air Force photo)

X-35 The X-35 Joint Strike Fighter demontrator

An F-35 from Edwards flies off the coast of California, Feb. 6, 2013. (U.S. Air Force Photo by Paul Weatherman/Lockheed Martin)

090423-F-7814K-105 F-35 test plane flies over Eglin The F-35 Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter test aircraft AA-1 performs a touch-and-go maneuver April 23 at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla. The aircraft’s first arrival at the base was to provide a showcase to base Airmen and the local community. (U.S. Air Force photo/Samuel King Jr.)

090422-F-0008C-171 F-35 test plane flies over Eglin The F-35 Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter test aircraft AA-1 banks over the flightline sending contrails streaming off the wings during its sortie April 23 at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla. The aircraft’s first arrival at the base was to provide a showcase to base members and the local community. (Courtesy photo)

B-21 Raider continues flight test, production A B-21 Raider conducts flight testing, which includes ground testing, taxiing, and flying operations, at Edwards Air Force Base, California. The B-21 will interoperate with our allies and partners to deliver on our enduring commitment to provide flexible strike options for coalition operations that defend us against common threats. (Courtesy photo)

B-21 Raider continues flight test, production A B-21 Raider conducts flight tests, which includes ground testing, taxiing, and flying operations, at Edwards Air Force Base, California, where it continues to make progress toward becoming the backbone of the U.S. Air Force bomber fleet. The B-21 will possess the range, access, and payload to penetrate the most highly-contested threat environments and hold any target around the globe at risk. The B-21 program is on track to deliver aircraft in the mid-2020s to Ellsworth Air Force Base, South Dakota, which will be the first B-21 main operating base and location for the B-21 formal training unit. (Courtesy photo)

Wing warping could change shape of future aircraft OVER EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. — NASA’s modified Active Aeroelastic Wing F/A-18 completes a 360-degree aileron roll during a recent research flight. (NASA photo by Jim Ross)

260212-F-AF000-1314 YFQ-42 aircraft sit on the flightline at a California test location as part of the Air Force’s Collaborative Combat Aircraft flight test campaign. The CCA program validates a modular, open-systems approach, allowing the Air Force to rapidly integrate the best technology from any vendor to equip the warfighter faster. (Courtesy photo)

260212-F-AF000-1313 YFQ-44 aircraft are parked on the flightline at a California test location for the Air Force’s Collaborative Combat Aircraft program. The CCA initiative is transforming the acquisition process by proving a government-owned open architecture can break vendor lock and speed the delivery of superior capabilities to the warfighter. (Courtesy photo)