804th Test Group / Arnold Engineering Development Complex

Hypersonic testing at the facility involves high-temperature material testing with arc heaters that simulate the aerodynamic heating and mid-to-high shear pressures that occur during hypersonic flight and re-entry as a way to characterize and evaluate erosion of thermal protective materials and systems. The form of testing is crucial for developing hypersonic weapon systems and re-entry vehicles. The AEDC Hypersonic Systems Test Branch integrates ground testing and flight testing within the same branch. The Ground Test Team of the branch operates APTU. The Flight Test Team, located at Edwards Air Force Base in California, provides capabilities such as trajectory analysis and optimization, simulation, test and safety planning, and project management support. Together, the branch’s teams coordinate early involvement and support from essential test resources within or outside the Air Force Test Center.