Eglin team fast-tracks F-16 weapons test, boosts readiness

EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. — A rapid test effort at Eglin Air Force Base has advanced F-16 readiness through the integration and live testing of a new class of munitions, according to Eglin officials.

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The Team Eglin Test Enterprise conducted integration work in March involving the F-16 Fighting Falcon and the Family of Affordable Mass Munitions – Lugged weapon, known as FAMM-L. The effort included fit and functionality checks, validation of loading procedures, and flight compatibility testing.

The test series culminated with the successful carriage and release of the weapon from the F-16, marking a key milestone in the evaluation of the system.

“This was a perfect demonstration of test readiness to meet warfighter needs,” said Lt. Col. Brett Tillman, 780th Test Squadron commander.

“Integrating the entire test team allowed us to safely test and deliver a critical capability at incredible speed. I am immensely proud of the tremendous work this team accomplished under such a tight deadline.”

F-16 Fighting Falcon in flight carrying mounted test munitions under its wing — A U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon takes off from Eglin Air Force Base, Fla. The F-16 is carrying a Family of Affordable Mass Munition – Lugged weapon as part of a rapid test series performed by the 96th Test Wing and 53rd Wing. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Thomas M. Barley)

F-16 Fighting Falcon releasing a test munition during a flight test — A U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon releases a Family of Affordable Mass Munition – Lugged weapon over the Gulf of America. This release was part of a rapid test series performed by the 96th Test Wing and 53rd Wing. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Blake Wiles)

Airman conducts pre-flight checks on F-16 with test munition at Eglin Air Force Base — A maintenance professional from the 96th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron conducts pre-flight checks on an F-16 Fighting Falcon carrying a test munition at Eglin Air Force Base. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Thomas M. Barley)

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The integration effort brought together the 96th Test Wing, which serves as the lead developmental test agency, the 53rd Wing as the lead operational test agency, and the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center program office.

“The combined test team is laser focused on accelerating experimentation to deliver capability into the hands of warfighters, faster,” said Lt. Col. Taylor Wilson, 40th Flight Test Squadron commander.

“The team was able to rapidly generate and execute sorties to deliver crucial data for evaluating new, innovative warfighter capabilities,” Mr Wilson said.

“The ability of our operations and maintenance teams to execute this test series in such a short time emphasizes their professionalism and dedication towards the mission,” he said.