418th Flight Test Squadron
The 418th Flight Test Squadron is a United States Air Force squadron. It is assigned to the 412th Operations Group, Air Force Materiel Command, stationed at Edwards Air Force Base, California.
| 418th Flight Test Squadron | |
|---|---|
418th Flight Test Squadron MC-130 Combat Talon II | |
| Active | 1942–1945; 1947–1949; 1959–1962; 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 |
| Engagements | European Theater of Operations |
| Decorations | Distinguished Unit Citation French Croix de Guerre with Palm |
| Insignia | |
| 418th Flight Test Squadron emblem | |
| 418th Bombardment Squadron emblem (Strategic Air Command) | |
| 418th Bombardment Squadron emblem (World War II) | |
| World War II fuselage code | LD (USAAF) |
| Tail code (1989-present) | ED |
| Aircraft flown | |
| Transport | C-130 Hercules and special operations variants |
| Tanker | KC-135 Stratotanker and special variants |
The first predecessor of the squadron, the 418th Bombardment Squadron, was activated during World War II as a heavy bomber unit. It served in combat in the European Theater of Operations, where it earned a Distinguished Unit Citation and the French Croix de Guerre with Palm for its actions. After V-E Day the squadron returned to the United States and was inactivated at the port of embarkation.
The squadron was briefly active in the reserve from 1947 to 1949, but does not appear to have been fully equipped or assigned enough aircrew. It served from 1959 to 1962 as a Boeing B-47 Stratojet squadron in Strategic Air Command.
The second predecessor of the squadron was activated in 1989 as the 6518th Test Squadron. The two squadrons were consolidated in 1992 as the 418th Test Squadron and have served in the flight test role.