18th Flight Test Squadron

18th Flight Test Squadron
18th Flight Test Squadron V-22 Osprey
Active	1941–1945; 1969–1972; 1983–present
Country	United States
Branch	United States Air Force
Type	Special Operations
Part of	U.S. Air Force Special Operations Command United States Special Operations Command
Engagements	World War II Vietnam
Insignia
18th Flight Test Squadron emblem (approved 13 July 1992)

The 18th Flight Test Squadron at Hurlburt Field, Florida performs field tests of aircraft for Air Force Special Operations Command located with one detachment at Edwards Air Force Base, California. The 18th FLTS evaluates aircraft, equipment and tactics in realistic battlespace environments to provide decision makers accurate, timely and complete assessments of mission capability. From concept development to system fielding, the unit's mission improves the survivability and combat capability of special operations forces worldwide.

The 18th Flight Test Squadron (FLTS), located at Hurlburt Field, Florida, is the "independent field test agency" of Air Force Special Operations Command. It has one detachment at Edwards Air Force Base, California. The 18th FLTS evaluates aircraft, equipment and tactics in realistic battlespace environments to provide decision makers accurate, timely and complete assessments of mission capability. From concept development to system fielding, the unit's mission improves the survivability and combat capability of special operations forces worldwide.

The 18th FLTS is composed of approximately 96 people. The squadron consists of seven flights: fixed wing, vertical lift, operations analysis, combat applications, special missions, instrumentation and mission support.

The one detachment at Edwards Air Force Base, which is responsible for operational test and evaluation and tactics development and evaluation of the MV/CV-22 Osprey and supports Headquarters Air Force Operational Test and Evaluation Center in conducting joint tests with the Navy and Marine Corps.