[BenLurkin]

"TOUCHING THE MILESTONE - The C-17 T-1 in the hangar Friday during the program celebrating the 1,000th flight of the aircraft at Edwards Air Force Base." BERNARD KANE/Valley Press

[MississippiMan]

I have a vague understanding of how these testbed aircraft work, but I’d like to know more. Anyone here know enough to provide a concise capsule?

MM

[AlaskaErik]

If you want real longevity...AC-130A USAF 53-3129, c.n. 3001. First production Hercules, modified to gunship configuration in November 1967, survived 37 mm AAA hit over South Vietnam in March 1973, repaired, and finally retired from the 711th Special Operations Squadron in 1995 for display at the Air Force Armament Museum, Eglin AFB, Florida. Named “The First Lady” since November 1970.