Testing Light Attack Aircraft
A Hawker Beechcraft AT-6C, modified for various light attack missions, releases flares during an operational test over the Southern Arizona desert Oct. 5. It was the first time flare buckets, or aircraft survivability equipment, were mounted onto the airplane and fully integrated with the control system on board. A team of pilots and engineers certified that the airplane could separate the flares correctly while learning if the modification would have adverse effects on the airplane’s handling. The Air National Guard, Air Force Reserve Command Test Center based in Tucson, Ariz., is working with various defense contractors and pilots from across the Air Force this month to evaluate the aircraft’s suitability for an array of missions. (Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Dave Neve)