Major T&E Investment

PE 0604759F: Major T&E Investment is a Research, Development, Test & Evaluation (RDT&E) Management Support program within the Air Force budget. It focuses on planning, improvements, and modernization of test capabilities at key Air Force Test Center (AFTC) Major Range and Test Facility Base (MRTFB) organizations. These include the 96th Test Wing (Eglin AFB, FL), 412th Test Wing (Edwards AFB, CA), Arnold Engineering Development Complex (AEDC, Arnold AFB, TN), and the 704th Test Group (Holloman AFB, NM). The program's objectives are defined through the Air Force Test Investment Planning & Programming (TIPP) Process and coordinated via the Tri-Service Reliance Process to avoid duplication across military branches.

T&E Range and Test Asset Modernization aims to upgrade the infrastructure and capabilities required for testing advanced weapon systems. This includes acquiring the ability to test long-range, high-speed, highly instrumented weapons in complex electromagnetic environments, supporting multi-domain testing, and operating at multiple classification and cybersecurity levels. Key projects include enhancements to range instrumentation, data ecosystems, and imaging capabilities. The modernization efforts also support big data collection, analysis, and storage, and enable realistic threat scenario testing up to Special Access Program (SAP) levels.

Hypersonics focuses on developing the capacity to test and evaluate hypersonic engines, materials, warheads, and fuses across the full employment envelope. The program supports both simulation and open-air flight testing with advanced telemetry, photo-optics, and Time Space Position Information (TSPI) capabilities. Planned projects include hardware-in-the-loop facilities, air defense effectiveness and survivability initiatives, turbine-based combined cycle testing, and continuous flow test capabilities. These investments are intended to inform decision-makers on the fielding of hypersonic systems and maintain technological superiority.

Directed Energy/Electronic Combat is designed to enhance the ability to characterize and test directed energy effects on aircraft, UAVs, and ground targets. The program creates realistic environments to simulate adversary air defense capabilities projected for 2030, enabling the testing and tactics development for 5th and 6th generation weapons in Anti-Access Area Denial (A2AD) scenarios. Notable projects include multispectral development and next-generation engineering targets, which are executed in conjunction with the Test Resource Management Center (TRMC).

Cyberspace and Avionics Cyber advances cybersecurity and resiliency testing for networked systems, C5ISR, and airborne weapon platforms. The program develops tools, techniques, and hardware-in-the-loop capabilities focused on cyber defense and resiliency. Efforts include support for next-generation aircraft and UAVs, and advanced battle management system testing. These investments are critical for ensuring the security and reliability of increasingly networked and autonomous weapon systems.

Autonomy supports the testing of autonomous aerial and ground systems, including hundreds of independent vehicles. The program develops monitoring capabilities for system-under-test locations and states, with provisions for soft and hard termination. It also focuses on techniques and processes for testing systems with artificial intelligence, ensuring that autonomous platforms meet operational requirements and safety standards. Funding is allocated for planning future projects aligned with the Center's roadmaps.