๐ฅ Inside an F-16 at 1,300 MPH | Breaking the Sound Barrier
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On this episode of FULL THROTTLE, we go inside Edwards Air Force Base โ the centre of the aerospace testing universe โ to explore the mission, people, and technology shaping the future of air power.
Embedded with the 412th Test Wing and the 416th Flight Test Squadron, we discover how the Combined Test Force brings together military personnel, government civilians, engineers, and industry experts to test, evaluate, and refine the systems that will eventually reach Americaโs warfighters. From the historic Rogers Dry Lake Bed, where Chuck Yeager broke the sound barrier and the Space Shuttle landed, to the cutting-edge flight test programs operating today, this is a rare look inside one of the most important aviation facilities on Earth. Then, after days of preparation, survival training, and safety briefings, I get the opportunity of a lifetime: climbing into the back seat of an F-16 Viper to experience everything from a max-performance unrestricted take-off and Sidewinder low-level route, to 50,000 feet in the stratosphere, Mach 1.6, 1,000 mph, 9G manoeuvres, and demonstrations of the life-saving Auto Ground Collision Avoidance System (Auto GCAS). But this story isnโt just about flying. Itโs about the mission of flight testing itself.
Every day, the men and women at Edwards Air Force Base work to ensure that Americaโs pilots and warfighters never have to discover the limits of their aircraft, weapons, or systems for the first time in combat. Through rigorous testing, engineering, and innovation, they help transform concepts into operational capability while improving safety and effectiveness for those serving around the world. A huge thank you to the 412th Test Wing, 416th Flight Test Squadron, Air Force Test Pilot School, Edwards Air Force Base Public Affairs, and everyone who contributed to making this project possible.
๐ POWERED BY SADDLEBACK LEATHER Huge thanks to Saddleback Leather for sponsoring this episode of FULL THROTTLE. Built to last with a 100-year warranty, no breakable parts, and a reputation for creating some of the toughest leather goods in the world. ๐ https://saddlebackleather.com
๐๏ธ Learn More About Edwards Air Force Base Want to hear more from the people behind the mission? Listen to my conversations with leaders from Edwards Air Force Base, the Air Force Test Pilot School, and the flight test community: ย ย ย โขย Edwardsย Airย Forceย Baseย ย
Featuring guests including: โข Brigadier General Douglas โBeakerโ Wickert โ Commander, 412th Test Wing โข Colonel Maryann Karlen โ Commandant, USAF Test Pilot School โข Lt Col Brantigan โMaddogโ โ Commander, 416th Flight Test Squadron โข Jessica โStingโ Peterson โ USAF Test Pilot School โข And many more leaders from the aerospace testing community
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