The C-17 and fast-paced flight testing

Abstract

This paper examines program motivations and the consequences of fast-paced flight testing. It is more difficult to ensure safe execution and quality testing during fast-paced flight test than tests conducted at a moderate pace. This point is illustrated by relating the experience of the C-17 A Globemaster III during the FullScale Development (FSD) flight test program and subsequent follow-on and fleet support testing at the Air Force Flight Test Center (AFFTC). A summary of comparable military aircraft programs shows that the C17 had an exceptionally fast-paced FSD flight test. Follow-on testing saw the fast pace sustained, and it continued as revisions were made to the aircraft. Emphasis in the paper is placed on reviewing flight test mishaps to illustrate the contribution of the pace of testing and to draw lessons-learned. This account is taken from the author's experience as a member of the C-17 FSD test team, from discussions with others who also served on that team, and from a review of relevant documents.* The account is not meant as an indictment of the aircraft, any organization, or any particular individual. All effort has been made to relate the account dispassionately.