Early OT flying brings T-7A closer to operational use Published July 16, 2026 By Katherine C. Gandara, Public Affairs Advisor Air Force Operational Test and Evaluation Center EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- The 412th Test Wing and the Air Force Operational Test and Evaluation Center’s Detachment 5 flew the first joint sortie in a T-7A Red Hawk at Edwards Air Force Base. This flight positions the Airpower Foundations Combined Test Force to begin combined developmental and operational test flights, ultimately accelerating capability for the warfighter. The Red Hawk is the Air Force's next-generation advanced jet trainer. By placing a test wing developmental test pilot and an AFOTEC operational weapon systems officer (WSO) in the cockpit together continues the tradition of bridging the gap between proving an aircraft meets technical design specifications, or developmental testing, and ensuring it is mission-effective for the warfighter, known as operational testing. This combined test strategy continues and improves the pursuit of true integrated developmental and operational test for the Air Force enterprise, compressing acquisition timelines to deliver advanced training capabilities to the warfighter and advancing the pilot training pipeline. This milestone occurred less than a month after the B-21 Raider conducted a sortie with an operational test pilot at the controls, a reflection of the test enterprises efforts to further integrate developmental and operational test. “This is a true testament to the team and greater test enterprise,” said Col. Matthew Guasco, AFOTEC Detachment 5 Commander. “Gone are the days of stove piped DT and OT paradigms. “The integration that is occurring now ensures we identify needs early in production,” Guasco said. “We’re essentially baking in warfighter feedback prior to large lot purchases. And we’re moving at a pace to ensure our future warfighters have the tools they need to maximize lethality from day one.” Maj. Kevin Ueunten, AFOTEC T-7A Test Director, was able to collect early operational test data and provide insights into the aircraft’s effectiveness in training future WSOs. “This flight was a big first step for the T-7 Integrated Test Team,” said Ueunten. “By beginning integrated flight testing, AFOTEC aircrew can collect operational test data early. These kinds of flights allow for the seamless transition into joint DT/OT operations for flight test. Ideally, this will result in an efficient and optimized Initial Operational Test and Evaluation process.” “Leveraging the operational and flight test experience of Major Ueunten brings a fresh set of eyes and perspective at a crucial time in the development of the T-7,” said Maj. Aaron Seyfried, the Air Force’s chief T-7 developmental test pilot and Integrated Test Force Director. “His background as an F-15E Strike Eagle WSO provides invaluable insight to the combined test team and his opinions will make the T-7 a more effective training platform for future aircrew” Designed to replace the 67-year-old T-38 Talon, the Red Hawk will prepare student pilots for 5th- and 6th-generation combat aircraft, such as the F-22 Raptor, F-35 Lightning II and B-21 Raider.