In the image below, the test pilot is in the Switchblade going over the list of tests to be done that day. Each test builds on the last one, and each provides certain data that the Test Team is working to establish. Flight testing is a somewhat slow process of building up confidence and establishing performance and safety aspects of the new vehicle so that both test pilot and vehicle have a ‘good ride’.
The idea is to do testing, then review data, then run a different test, and work our way through to good certainty that the flight will be successful once the pilot and plane leave the ground. This process will take a number of weeks. As you probably know about us by now, rushing or shortcutting a flight test program is not something we would ever do. We are in this for the long haul – creating a bright future!