The
28th Test and Evaluation Squadron evaluates the effectiveness and suitability of weapons and
avionics systems being procured or improved to support current and future
United States Air Force air combat capabilities.
Squadron personnel direct test project planning and execution, as well as data gathering, analyzing, and reporting for tests involving conventional and nuclear air
munitions, avionics subsystems,
chemical warfare defense, aircrew life support, chemical defense systems, munitions and avionics support equipment, weapon release systems, and automated mission planning systems. The IATF's primary objective is to improve the combat capability, reliability, and lethality of Air Force weapon systems through operationally realistic testing. Missions are performed through ground test, flight test, ground-based jammer testing, and various combinations of these techniques. The IATF's primary mission is to perform force development evaluations on the operational flight programs of the
McDonnell Douglas F-15 Eagle and
General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon fire control radar systems. This includes experimental changes to the OFPs as well as modifications to fielded OFPs. Additional responsibilities and capabilities include the following: Perform OFP operational testing and evaluation and operational utility evaluations of F-15 and F-16 radars with the
AIM-120 AMRAAM, identify radar system maintenance deficiencies and develop work-around solutions. Support advanced EA and EP system development and evaluation. Provide resident Air Force technical expertise on
Air Combat Command radar and missile systems. Support other
electronic warfare projects from Air Force, Department of Defense and various external customers with technical assistance or specialized hardware Detachment 1 of the squadron, located at
Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada performs functional management for acquisition, modification, testing and certification for fighter, bomber and combat support aircrew training systems. The group also conducts foreign military exploitation and special access projects. Detachment 2 of the squadron, located at
Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida plans, executes, and reports on Air Combat Command directed operational tests for multi-service integrated fighter avionics, weapons, and electronic warfare systems via operation of the $103 million Integrated Avionics Test Facility. Detachment personnel determine operational effectiveness and suitability for current and future weapons systems using Air Force and threat fighter radars, air-to-air missiles, electronic attack and electronic protection suites. The detachment also provides input and assistance to Headquarters U.S. Air Force, Air Combat Command,
Air Force Operational Test and Evaluation Center, and
Air Force Materiel Command in the development of test plans, conduct of test projects, collection of test data and production of final test and evaluation reports. ==History==