Message posted by Peter Merlin on May 06, 2004 at 12:34:59 PST:
On 6 May 2004, the 413th Flight Test Squadron "Bombcats" was inactivated at Edwards AFB, California. After consolidating with the 6513th Test Squadron "Red Hats" in October 1992, the unit was designated the 413th Test Squadron under the 412th Test Wing. The unit accepted the lineage and honors of the 413th Bombardment Squadron and was eventually redesignated the 413th FLTS in March 1994. Operating out of Edwards North Base and remote locations (including Groom Lake, Nevada), the 413th FLTS was responsible for integrated electronic warfare (EW) system testing. With no assigned aircraft of its own, the squadron managed tests involving experimental and USAF inventory aircraft, as well as others on loan from U.S. government agencies and foreign governments. Component systems flight-testing included weapons and ordnance, avionics and sensors, plus tests of radar and weapons system accuracy. Sometimes known by its alter ego, the "Nutcrackers," the 413th FLTS conducted numerous projects with such names as ZIPPER, SUNDOWNER, and IBIS DAWN. The squadron provided critical support to conventional air combat forces during Operation DELIBERATE FORCE in 1995, and helped integrate special operations forces and conventional forces during Operation ENDURING FREEDOM in 2001 and Operation IRAQI FREEDOM in 2003.
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