Bomber Testing in the Digital World

Paul K. Harmer, USAF, Global Power Bomber Combined Test Force 419th Flight Test Squadron, Edwards AFB, CA, USA
Richard M. Salasovich, USAF, Global Power Bomber Combined Test Force 419th Flight Test Squadron, Edwards AFB, CA, USA

Abstract

The Global Power Bomber Combined Test Force (GPB CTF) is located at the Air Force Flight Test Center, Edwards AFB, California. The GPB CTF is responsible for developmental testing of the B-1, B-2 and B-52 aircraft. The primary mission of the GPB CTF is to verify and validate new hardware, software, and weapons for these legacy airframes. As part of this effort, new technologies and processes have been implemented to reduce cost, increase efficiency, and simplify data reduction. Digital hard-drive Heim recorders replaced traditional magnetic tape media. Similarly, high-speed digital cameras were used to document weapon releases as opposed to the previously used chemical film cameras. Furthermore, six-degrees-of-freedom kits were implemented to provide acceleration data and to simplify data reduction for weapons releases. Finally, a new UHF satellite communication system was used to improve situational awareness in the mission control room during test missions executed at ranges outside of our local airspace.