Edwards AFB 418th Flight Test Squadron poster art.

The 418th Flight Test Squadron is part of the 412th Test Wing at Edwards AFB, California.  As the Global Reach combined test force, it is responsible for developmental test and evaluation of tanker and transport aircraft, air refueling certification, and parachute testing. Notably it is the first Air Force unit to operate the KC-46 and has pioneered non-standard high altitude airdrop in support of NASA and the Missile Defense Agency.  It operates the C-5, C-17, KC-10, KC-46, and KC-135. 

Edwards Air Force Base is a United States Air Force installation in southern California, located approximately 22 miles (35 km) northeast of Lancaster and 15 miles (24 km) east of Rosamond. It is the home of the Air Force Flight Test Center and is the Air Force Materiel Command center of excellence for conducting and supporting research and development of flight, as well as testing and evaluation of aerospace systems from concept to combat. It operates the U.S. Air Force Test Pilot School and is home to NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center and considerable test activities conducted by America’s commercial aerospace industry. Edwards AFB is located in the Mojave desert and is known for its large lakebed runways and architecturally unique tower.