416th Flight Test Squadron F-16C during a successful AIM-9X test[a]
Active
1942–1945; 1947–1949; 1989–present
Country
United States
Branch
United States Air Force
Type
Squadron
Role
Flight testing
Part of
Air Force Materiel Command
Garrison/HQ
Edwards Air Force Base, California
Nickname(s)
Skulls
Engagements
European Theater of Operations Mediterranean Theater of Operations
Decorations
Distinguished Unit Citation Air Force Outstanding Unit Award
Insignia
416th Flight Test Squadron emblem[b][1][2]
6516th Test Squadron emblem[c][2]
Patch with 416th Bombardment Squadron emblem[d][3]
Tail code[4]
ED
Fin stripe[4]
Blue tailband with white X signs
Military unit
The 416th Flight Test Squadron is a United States Air Force squadron. It is assigned to the 412th Operations Group, Air Force Materiel Command at Edwards Air Force Base, California. The 416th performs flight testing on General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft.
The squadron's first predecessor was constituted as the 26th Reconnaissance Squadron in January 1942. However, it was redesignated the 416th Bombardment Squadron before being activated in June 1942. After training in the United States, It deployed to the Mediterranean Theater of Operations. From bases in North Africa and Italy, it engaged in the strategic bombing campaign against Germany. It earned two Distinguished Unit Citations for its performance in combat. It remained in Italy following V-E Day until inactivating in November 1945. The squadron was active in the reserves from 1947 to 1949, but was not fully manned or equipped.
The second predecessor is the 6516th Test Squadron, which was established in 1989 to test the F-16. In October 1992, the two squadrons were consolidated as the 416th Test Squadron.
Cite error: There are <ref group=lower-alpha> tags or {{efn}} templates on this page, but the references will not show without a {{reflist|group=lower-alpha}} template or {{notelist}} template (see the help page).
^Musser, James (1 July 2019). "Factsheet 416 Flight Test Squadron". Air Force Historical Research Agency. Retrieved 8 July 2017.
^ abEndicott, pp. 791-792
^Maurer, Combat Squadrons, p. 509
^ abNo byline (2023). "416th Flight Test Squadron (USAF AFMC)". F-16.net The ultimate F-16 site. Retrieved 19 October 2023.
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