Edwards Flight Test Range

The 412th Test Wing operates and maintains the Edward's Flight Test Range (EFTR) complex. The EFTR is a major range resource consisting of multi-environmental test areas, instrumentation, and airborne capability needed for developmental test and evaluation (DT&E;) and operational test and evaluation (OT&E;). Low and high altitude supersonic flight profiles can be accommodated over land and water ranges from surface to unlimited altitude. Highly instrumented land test areas, along with access to overwater areas provide for full aircraft/avionics/weapon integration and subsystem testing. Range capabilities include radar, telemetry, radio, television, and timing instrumentation. These elements are controlled from Ridley Mission Control Center (RMCC) and can be modified and adjusted to meet test requirements. The EFTR encompasses some 1575 square statute miles of restricted airspace designated R-2515. Contained within R-2515 are two range areas designated Precision Impact Range Areas (PIRAs). The PIRA was established for the conduct of air-to-ground gunnery, precision bombing (PB) tests, photo resolution, spin testing, aerial decelerator tests, and other tests requiring precision instrumentation. The range is located in the southeast portion of the Edward's reservation and covers approximately 75 square miles. Supersonic approaches to the PIRA below 15,000-feet MSL are restricted to the Alpha Corridor (west to east) only. The PIRA is subdivided into the West Range, the East Range and the PB-6 Range. Each range can be scheduled individually, or in conjunction with one another, dependent upon mission requirements.