The U.S. Air Force’s 412th Electronic Warfare Group began working on a facility to contain the Joint Simulation Environment designed for testing fifth-plus generation aircraft and related systems, the service branch said Thursday.
The 72,139-square foot modeling and simulation facility will be installed at Edwards Air Force Base in California to house developmental assessments supporting open-air testing operations. The Air Force also plans to construct another 50,967-square foot facility at Nellis AFB in Nevada to help personnel and engineers conduct operational testing activities. The two JSEs will be fitted with similar hardware and software enabling both facilities to integrate their technological features.
Humberto Blanco, project manager for the JSE effort, said the simulation tool will help the Air Force test aircraft such as the F-35 and F-22 without being hampered by natural events and service operations.
The 412th EWG is looking for over 100 new hires to commence engineering and software-related work to support the two facilities.