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\n EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. — \u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n
In another milestone<\/a><\/strong><\/u> for the B-21 Raider<\/a><\/strong><\/u> program, an operational test pilot recently flew the bomber with a developmental test pilot sharing the cockpit.<\/p>\n
The integration of operational test marks a major shift in how the Air Force evaluates its most critical next-generation aircraft, breaking down historical barriers in the flight test pipeline. The pilot was assigned to Air Force Operational Test and Evaluation Center\u2019s<\/a><\/strong><\/u> Detachment 5 at Edwards AFB.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe put an operational test member in the pilot seat with an Air Force Test Pilot School<\/a><\/strong><\/u> graduate in the other,\u201d said Col. Matt Guasco, AFOTEC Det. 5 commander. \u201cIn the history of modern test, we\u2019ve never done that so early in a program.\u201d<\/p>\n
Traditionally, developmental test ensures an aircraft meets its technical specifications and flies safely, while operational test is conducted separately and much later to determine if the platform is combat-effective, suitable and survivable in the hands of the warfighter. Transitioning directly into a combined DT\/OT environment eliminates the gap between ensuring a jet simply works and ensuring it is ready for combat.<\/p>\n
\u201cIntegrating operational and developmental test in the B-21 program exemplifies the acquisition culture we\u2019re instilling throughout the force,\u201d said Gen. Dale White, the Department of War’s direct reporting portfolio manager for critical major weapon systems. \u201cIt\u2019s a smarter and faster mindset that leverages modern production and test tools with the proper sense of urgency, urgency that challenges old processes and moves us to a more agile acquisition system.<\/p>\n
White is responsible for the weapon systems most critical to national security, including Sentinel<\/a><\/strong><\/u>, F-47<\/a><\/strong><\/u>, B-21 and Collaborative Combat Aircraft<\/a><\/strong><\/u>. The 412th Test Wing<\/a><\/strong><\/u> currently tests the B-21and CCA.<\/p>\n
\u201cIn the case of the Raider,\u201d White said, \u201cit means we\u2019re now that much closer to placing asymmetric lethality into the hands of the warfighter.\u201d<\/p>\n
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<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/media.defense.gov\/2026\/Jun\/10\/2003947003\/-1\/-1\/0\/260610-F-TW412-4004.JPG\/260610-F-TW412-4004.JPG\" "\\"\\"\/")
\nAir Force Gen. Dale White, Department of War direct reporting portfolio manager for critical major weapon systems, addresses members of the 412th<\/sup> Test Wing\u2019s Raider Combined Test Force at Edwards AFB, California. \u201c[We\u2019re] that much closer to placing asymmetric lethality into the hands of the warfighter,\u201d White said shortly after the first B-21 mission flown by an operational test pilot. (U.S. Air Force photo by Kyle Brasier)<\/strong><\/small><\/p>\n