EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. - Members of the 53rd Wing tested the capabilities of B-1s recently in an effort to better defend the aircraft and prove the strength of new software systems. "The main purpose of our deployment out here is to conduct defensive threat reaction test to basically validate our defensive tactics against threats," said Lt. Col. Jeff Aldridge, 337th Test Evaluation Squadron commander. The squadron, located at Dyess AFB, Texas, flew two B-1s to Eglin for a week and was able to complete extensive testing. Aldridge said that normally they fly two missions a week but at Eglin they are flying every day. The B-1, a long-range bomber, can track, target and engaging moving land vehicles. The tests revealed more information about the aircraft's software. (Source: Eglin Air Force Base, 09/28/09)
