422nd TES

(Photo visual: Jason Couillard, Nellis AFB, 6 March 2013)

422nd Test and Evaluation squadron has a unique task. Before any hardware (aircraft) or software is accepted in the US Air Force, it’s operationally tested by the 422nd TES. Known as the “Green Bats” the squadron is part of the 53rd Test and Evaluation Group and operate out of Las Vegas, Nellis Air Force Base. Because of their task they fly the latest and greatest, like the F-22 and F-35. In this article we look into the history and current status of the squadron.

History

14 July 1943, the 422nd Night Fighter Squadron was formed. Initially it was based in Orlando, FL before detachment during World War II, to the Ninth Air Force at Charmy Down, England. During the run-up to D-Day the squadron flew with the Royal Air Force to flight against German nightly intrusions of UK airspace. This included the V-1 missiles! The 422nd was the first squadron in England flying the night fighter Northrop P-61, Black widow. After D-day the squadron moved to Cherbourg - Maupertus, France, followed by Chateaudun, France and Florennes, Belgium. Main mission was air defense of allied liberated territory, intercepting Luftwaffe bombers and night flights. The 422nd also participated in the Battle of the Bulge (December 144 – January 1945) in the Belgium Ardennes. Mission was nightly attacks on enemy troop movements and bridges. In April 1945 the squadron moved to Langensalza Germany and Kassel in May. After demobilization in Europe (September 1945) the aircraft were flown back to the US for storage or post war use in different interceptor squadrons. The 422nd was deactivated.

The 422nd Night Fighter Squadron flew P-7, YP-61 (Black Widow prototype), P-61, L-6, C-78 and A-20.

422nd Fighter Weapon Squadron

In 1969 the 422nd was reinstated and re-designated as 422nd Fighter Weapon Squadron, based at Nellis Air Force Base, NV.

From 1971 onwards the F-4 and A-7 joined the squadron. A-10 and F-15s were added in 1977. In 1980 the F-16 followed. In 1985 the F-4E retired from 422nd TES.

When the squadron was formatted the tail code “WF” was used. Later in 1971 it was recoded to “WA” with a yellow/black checkerboard tail stripe (now used by the 65 AGRS and 16th WS)

422nd Test and Evaluation Squadron

December 1981 the squadron was re-designated once more, now called 422nd Test and Evaluation Squadron, its current designation.

The squadron recoded the aircraft “OT” from 1996 onwards. A green/black checkerboard tail flash is now used.

Current operations

422nd Test and Evaluation Squadron is part of the 53rd Test and Evaluation Group, stationed at Eglin AFB, Florida.

A-10 division

A-10s entered the 422nd in 1977. The squadron evaluated a special modified night vision cockpit and tested it with night combat operations. They also evaluated close air support tactics in urban warfare.

F-15C/E divisions

Also established in 1977 to test night air superiority. Later the squadron also tested night vision goggle tactics for the F-15C and E. In 1989 the F-15E was added and an important evaluation program was the LANTIRN system used in a counter-offensive air-to air role.

F-16 division

In 1980 the F-16A was added and the C model in 1985. Also the night vision goggle was tested in several missions, including night combat, search and rescue. Also several cockpit modifications and configurations were tested. In 1997 the first live JDAM (Joint Direct Attack Munition) was dropped by a 422nd F-16.

HH-60G division

This division was established in 1995. Goal was to test the HH-60 systems against enemy threats in day and night scenarios. Also cabin configurations were tested.

F-22 division

The F-22A was added for testing and evaluation in 2004.

F-35 division

Latest addition to the squadron was the F-35A, which joined in 2013.

Current operational airframes

This list was noted July 2014. Any updates?