ANG AFRC Test Center (AATC)

📢 AATC is rapidly fielding solutions to critical capability gaps that improve warfighter lethality and survivability. Our latest A-10 communication project exemplifies our core mission: delivering combat-ready solutions at the speed of relevance. We're bridging today's capability gaps with innovative, field-tested solutions that keep Air Reserve Component platforms lethal and connected in any operational environment. Check out the article for more details! 👇

🚀 Accelerating Defense Innovation Through Partnership Last week's Air Force CyberWorx Annual National Security Capital Summit brought together over 40 investment groups and key government stakeholders to tackle one of our most pressing challenges: rapidly identifying, developing, and fielding technologies that give our warfighters the edge they need. AATC commander Col. Daniel "Rosco" Wittmer represented the ANG AFRC Test Center (AATC) on the panel, emphasizing our commitment to forging stronger partnerships with the innovation ecosystem. What sets AATC apart in this ecosystem: 🎯 Field-Driven Operational Testing: Our priorities come directly from warfighters through our ARC WEPTAC process, ensuring we're testing solutions to real operational challenges, not theoretical ones. 💡 Mature Technology Focus: We work with companies that have production-ready solutions prepared for rigorous operational testing, bridging the critical gap between development and fielding. 🤝 True Partnership Model: Our motto is "it doesn't count until it's fielded." We assess operational utility and help transition proven capabilities directly to the warfighter. The bottom line: We prove what works in the hands of operators. In an era where our adversaries are fielding capabilities at unprecedented speed, we need operational test organizations that can validate and field proven solutions rapidly while maintaining the rigor our warfighters deserve. Looking forward to continued collaboration with the venture capital community and innovative companies bringing mature solutions ready for operational validation. #DefenseInnovation #AirForce #NationalSecurity #OperationalTesting #Defense #Technology

AATC has established its first KC-46A Combined Test Force at Pease Air National Guard Base, New Hampshire, adding the KC-46A to their expanding CTF portfolio. This isn't just another ribbon cutting; it's a strategic leap forward in how we rapidly adapt and enhance our military capabilities. Rather than waiting years for traditional acquisition processes, this partnership between the 157th Air Refueling Wing and AATC is taking an agile approach to testing and fielding advanced technologies. Read the full story below! https://lnkd.in/gBDuGJvr

📢 AATC was proud to support this innovative partnership between Air Force Academy cadets and our F-35 operators. This collaboration perfectly embodies our mission; rapidly transitioning innovative technologies into warfighter-ready systems. By connecting future Air Force leaders with today's operational challenges, we're fostering the next generation of innovators while potentially fielding real solutions that make our aircraft more lethal, survivable, and mission-ready in contested environments. https://lnkd.in/gY8mQ_xs

ARC WEPTAC 2025: Breaking Down Silos, Building Capabilities 📢 Following the recent WEPTAC Chair academics session, we're implementing game-changing structural reforms for this year's ARC (Air Reserve Component) Weapons and Tactics Conference. Huge thanks to Maj Gen Duke Pirak, who delivered his strategic vision for transforming collaboration across Air Reserve Component working groups during the chair academics. Whats New: We're launching Task Force Breakouts (TFBOs) that are changing how we approach capability development. We're moving beyond traditional working groups to create dynamic cross-functional sessions that unite experts from multiple communities and Mission Weapon Systems. Mission-Driven Focus: These breakouts tackle real capability gaps in the Pacific theater head on, replacing career-field silos with integrated problem-solving. When we bring together diverse subject matter experts, we unlock solutions that mirror how challenges actually emerge in combat operations. Accelerating Modernization: This restructured approach drives readiness by aligning modernization priorities directly with operational demands in contested environments. Communities working across traditional boundaries generate breakthrough strategies for the complex challenges that no single working group can solve alone. The Task Force Breakouts mark a fundamental shift toward capability development that puts operational requirements and cross-functional expertise at the center of everything we do. 🎯 #ArcWeptac #AirReserveComponent #Modernization #MilitaryCapability

AATC recently conducted an evaluation on how rescue helicopters defend against modern aerial threats in maritime environments, a critical capability gap that had never been assessed for the HH-60W platform. The test featured F-15D Eagles engaging HH-60G and HH-60W rescue helicopters to evaluate countermeasure effectiveness over water, generating crucial survivability data that will directly inform training protocols and equipment upgrades. This is what AATC does: Rapid, innovative testing that gets critical capabilities to warfighters when they need them most. Check out the full story below! 👇 https://lnkd.in/ggkbcjiF #AATC #Innovation #CombatRescue #TotalForce

We were honored to host Maj. Gen. Greg Kreuder, Commander, 19th Air Force and CMSgt Keith Scott, Command Chief, 19th Air Force, at AATC today for an introduction to our operations! During their visit, we demonstrated our rapid modernization capabilities: •F-35 Lightning II - Advanced combat turnaround (ICT) procedures reducing regeneration time from 3 hours to < 25 minutes •Legacy Platform Upgrades - F-16 AESA radar, F-15 IRST systems, and A-10 enhanced displays •Cross-Platform Innovation - Sensor fusion, datalink gateways, and AI/ML applications We also highlighted our approach at AATC, guided by our motto: "It doesn't count until it's fielded." We deliver 80% capability at 20% cost, getting combat-ready technology to warfighters faster than anyone else. 👏 Thank you, General Kreuder and Chief Scott for taking the time to learn firsthand how we're making aircraft more lethal, survivable, and connected for tomorrow's fight! And a big shout out to TSgt Aubrey Reyes, who was coined in recognition of her exceptional work in the special programs office. 🔥 #AATC #AirNationalGuard #afrc #ARCtest

Congratulations to Kevin G., F-35 Senior Program Manager at AATC, for receiving the prestigious NDIA Air and Space Force Contractor Tester of the Year Award for 2024! Kevin's work perfectly embodies AATC's motto: "It doesn't count until it's fielded." His leadership supporting the first F-35 hot integrated combat turn (ICT) represents exactly the kind of rapid, innovative testing that defines our organization. What makes this achievement remarkable: 85% reduction in aircraft turnaround time, 3 hours → under 25 minutes Compressed timeline from 3 years to 6 month delivery Real combat impact - enabling rapid rearm/refuel with engines running Enhanced survivability through reduced ground vulnerability Adapting legacy procedures for 5th-gen platform This exemplifies AATC's unique value proposition; our experienced operators, integrated test approach, and relentless focus on getting capability to the warfighter NOW. Kevin's work directly supports our commitment to making every platform as lethal, survivable, and connected as possible. Congratulations Kevin! Your work makes our warfighters more lethal and our nation more secure. 🇺🇸

AATC's KC-135 CTF is evaluating an advanced data system that has reduced traditional intelligence processing cycles from hours to minutes through advanced data fusion technology. The enhanced tankers operated as both fuel distributors and intelligence nodes, connecting multiple tactical networks with beyond-line-of-sight communications across the Indo-Pacific theater. This dual-role capability leveraged the air refueling fleet's existing global presence to accelerate information flow between strategic and tactical levels. The testing reflects AATC's established approach of rapidly fielding mature technologies on proven platforms rather than waiting for lengthy development programs. Check out the full story below 👇 https://shorturl.at/NKSNB

AATC conducted their quarterly Crosstell briefing this week, bringing together team leads from across active test programs to synchronize efforts and accelerate capability delivery. The session featured progress reports on fifth-generation fighter enhancements, legacy platform upgrades, and cutting-edge technology integrations driven by warfighter requirements. Team leads presented current objectives, identified technical challenges, and outlined upcoming milestones while fostering cross-functional coordination between test forces. Key outcomes included enhanced visibility into program interdependencies and identification of collaboration opportunities between test forces. This integrated approach exemplifies AATC's innovation leadership in defense modernization. By maintaining transparent communication channels and field-driven priorities, the organization continues advancing critical capabilities that provide strategic impact in today's competitive environment. The partnerships and coordination demonstrated during Crosstell directly support AATC's mission to field combat-ready capabilities rapidly in an era of accelerating technological competition where time is a critical factor, and every day counts. #DefenseModernization #AATC #TestAndEvaluation #Innovation #Readiness #ARCTest