| 445th Flight Test Squadron [1] | |
|---|---|
445th Flight Test Squadron Patch |
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| Active | 24 February 1943 - 3 July 1946 20 March 1953 - 30 September 1968 1 October 1969 - 30 November 2001 11 March 2004 - Present |
| Country | United States |
| Branch | United States Air Force |
| Type | Flight Test |
| Part of | Air Force Material Command Air Force Flight Test Center 412th Test Wing 412th Operations Group |
| Garrison/HQ | Edwards Air Force Base |
| Decorations | AFOUA |
| Commanders | |
| Current commander |
Lt Col Jason Schott |
The 445th Flight Test Squadron (445 FLTS) is part of the 412th Test Wing and is based at Edwards Air Force Base, California.
Contents |
The 445th FTS part of the Air Force Flight Test Center. The squadron formulate the test program, develop the criteria for flight test missions, execute flight test missions, analyze data from the test flights and report on the results. The military personnel, government civilians, and contractors all work together as a team. This concept enables a cheaper, faster, and more effective test program and produces a more effective aerospace system for the warfighter.
Activated at Orlando AAB, Florida in early 1943 as part of the Air University Army Air Force School of Applied Tactics (AAFSAT). It initially trained pilots and furnished cadres to night fighter units. Later, it trained personnel in fighter tactics under simulated combat conditions. Remained at the AAFSAT until it closed down in March 1944.
Reassigned to Muroc AAB, California, assigned to the 412th Fighter Group, Fourth Air Force. Performed testing of aircraft and tactics from, March 1943-March 1944, operational training from, March 1944-January 1946, and operated as a fighter Squadron at March Field, California between January and July 1946 flying P-80 Shooting Star jet aircraft.
Reactivated under Air Defense Command in March 1953 at Geiger Field, Washington. In July, the first F-86D Sabre interceptors were assigned. The pilots and airmen were relatively inexperienced and the maintenance crew small. Within eighteen months, this group became the finest combat unit in the Western Air Defense Force. The highpoint in July 1954 was "Operation Checkpoint," a joint SAC-ADC exercise that extended for 3 days. With sunny days and early takeoffs, the pilot’s proficiency increased rapidly and aircraft maintenance became the best in ADC.
In August 1954, "Project Arrow" replaced the 445th FIS with the 497th FIS that was moved up from Portland, Oregon. The 445th FIS was transferred, on paper only, to Wurtsmith AFB, Michigan in 1955 performing air defense duties over the Great Lakes area and upper Midwest equipped with F-89D Scorpions. The 445th FIS was upgraded to the new F-89G Scorpion in March 1956 (the first F-89G squadron in ADC); and upgraded to the F-89J in September 1957.
Was re-equipped with new McDonnell F-101B Voodoo supersonic interceptor, and the F-101F operational and conversion trainer in 1960. The two-seat trainer version was equipped with dual controls, but carried the same armament as the F-101B and were fully combat-capable. Operated the Voodoos until September 1968, the aircraft being passed along to the Air National Guard and the squadron inactivated as part of the general drawdown of the ADC active-duty interceptor force.
Reactivated at Edwards AFB, California in 1969 as the Air Force Systems Command 6512th Test Squadron. Converted from provisional status with re-designation as 445th Test Squadron in October 1992 as part of transfer from Systems Command to Air Force Material Command. Became a testing squadron for 412th Test Wing and operated more than 100 aircraft test and evaluation programs from, 1969-2001.[1]
This article incorporates public domain material from websites or documents of the Air Force Historical Research Agency.
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