412th Test Wing, US Air Force
412TH TEST WING, US AIR FORCE
History: Established as 412 Fighter Group (Single Engine) on 20 November 1943. Activated on 29 November 1943. Inactivated on 3 July 1946. Redesignated as 412 Fighter Group (Air Defense) on 20 June 1955. Activated on 18 August 1955. Discontinued on 1 April 1960. Redesignated as 412 Tactical Fighter Group on 31 July 1985 but remained inactive. Consolidated (1 October 1992) with 6510 Test Wing, which was established, and activated, on 1 March 1978. Redesignated as 412 Test Wing on 2 October 1992. The 412 Fighter Group, first US jet fighter group to be activated, spent most of its early existence in experimental testing of the P-59A and P-80 aircraft. Developed training programs and trained aircrew and ground personnel as cadres for newly formed jet aircraft-equipped units. From 1 March 1978, the wing managed flight operations for the Air Force Flight Test Center at Edwards AFB, CA. Using a mixed fleet of support aircraft, annually tested both experimental and USAF inventory aircraft, as well as others on loan from US government agencies and foreign governments. Component systems flight-testing included weapons and ordnance, avionics and sensors, flight controls, and aircrew life-support equipment. Operated the Air Force Test Pilot School, training students from around the world. Performed free-flight testing of the Space Transportation System (STS) for NASA, 1978-1980, and in Apr 1981 recovered the shuttle “Columbia” following the first-ever orbital mission of a reusable spacecraft. Continued to provide alternate landing site services for STS recovery. Deployed support personnel and equipment to Southwest Asia, August 1990-March 1991. While deployed, performed tests on radar and weapons system accuracy. Transitioned into an objective test wing in 1992 to enhance its mission of air vehicle development, testing, and evaluation. Tested and evaluated both manned and unmanned aerospace vehicles for US and foreign governments.
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Origin/meaning
The Emblem was approved on 22 May 1957; newest rendition approved on 17 August 2007.
Literature: Image and Information from https://www.afhra.af.mil/
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