Strength in Numbers

The 418th Flight Test Squadron at Edwards AFB, Calif., is conducting flight tests with seven C-17s to see how well Globemaster III pilots can fly their aircraft in proximity to other C-17s using the airplane’s newly modified formation flight system. This equipment is meant to enable C-17 pilots to maintain a formation with other C-17s at the same altitude and distance in any weather condition. Tests are scheduled to continue this week, building upon a Sept. 14 drill. The test unit is using three C-17s that flew in from JB Charleston, S.C., three from JB Lewis-McChord, Wash., as well as one C-17 assigned to Edwards. Kenji Thuloweit, Edwards’ spokesman, told the Daily Report Monday that the FSS modifications are part of the C-17’s Block 17 upgrade. (Includes Edwards report by Kenji Thuloweit)