Test Trifecta: Orange, Emerald, Black Flag combine to enhance large-scale test

The Test Flag Enterprise strikes again, this time by joining forces Oct. 26.

Orange, Emerald, and Black Flag held their test events at three geographically-separated locations: the R-2508 complex, Edwards Air Force Base, the Eglin Gulf Test and Training Range, Florida, and the Nevada Test and Training Range.

For the first time, the three independently executed large force test events collaborated in real-time for simultaneous execution focusing on securing electronic data sharing across geographically-separated battlespaces to enable long-range kill chains.

"This was TFE's first attempt at connecting more than two geographically-separated areas with low-latency data link networks," said Maj. Daniel Prudhomme, Orange Flag director.

Each test flag created airborne Link-16 networks, transmitted data to various ground links, and then transferred data between each of the test flag events, effectively transmitting targeting data across more than 1,500 miles. This is a crucial enabler for long-range kill chains.

"Emerald Flag had very focused JADC2 (Joint All-Domain Command and Control) objectives in 21-3 and accomplished crucial steps in completing end-to-end connectivity for long range killwebs," said Capt. Joe Haggberg, Emerald Flag deputy director. "The EF team gleaned valuable information that will fundamentally transform the way we think, fight, and employ capabilities at further range. Emerald Flag is extremely resource efficient in utilizing simulation methods that replace the need for many aircraft that is typical for a large event and yet still providing the necessary information to the weapon systems. Advancing capabilities rapidly while being efficient with our resources will be key to our nation's acquisition success."

Black Flag conducted other test events Oct. 26-28, which included the first participation of U.S. Marine Corps aircraft and personnel. The 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing led a large force maritime strike scenario and participated in other test scenarios ranging from defensive counter air to electromagnetic spectrum vulnerability attacks.

"Black Flag is the U.S. Air Force's premier operational test venue where warfighters from the U.S. Air Force, Marine Corps, U.S. Navy, and U.S. Army gather to develop tactics, techniques, and procedures in response to the latest intelligence and leadership inquiries," said Maj. John Alspach, Marine Aircraft Wing 11 Weapons and Tactics officer. "By conducting joint events in the world's foremost test and training range, MAG-11 is afforded the unique opportunity to test, train and develop tactics that will define the immediate future of warfare."

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