About this Unit
The 6513th Flight Test Squadron (FTS) was a United States Air Force unit based at Edwards Air Force Base, California. Activated in 1971, the squadron was primarily responsible for conducting flight tests of foreign aircraft, including those acquired through clandestine means, as part of the United States’ evaluation of potential adversary capabilities during the Cold War. Often operating under high security, the 6513th FTS contributed significantly to the development of American tactics and understanding of Soviet-designed aircraft. In 1992, the unit was redesignated as the 413th Flight Test Squadron, continuing its legacy of advanced flight testing.
Historical Facts
• Specialized Test Squadron: The 6513th Flight Test Squadron (FTS) was a component of the U.S. Air Force Air Force Systems Command, specializing in flight testing of advanced aircraft and systems at Edwards Air Force Base, California.
• Black Projects: The squadron played a crucial role in testing “black” or highly classified projects, including captured Soviet aircraft and foreign technology during the Cold War.
• Foreign Technology Exploitation: Under the nickname "Red Hats" and "Red Eagles," the 6513th FTS operated the Foreign Technology Evaluation program, flying and analyzing MiGs and other non-U.S. aircraft.
• Tonopah Test Range Operations: The squadron was closely associated with operations at the remote Tonopah Test Range in Nevada, a key site for clandestine activities and stealth aircraft testing.
• MiG Encounter Training: The squadron’s efforts directly contributed to training U.S. pilots in tactics to counter Soviet-designed aircraft, improving combat survivability in potential conflicts.
• “Constant Peg” Program: The 6513th FTS was integral to "Constant Peg," a secret program from 1977–1988 that allowed U.S. aircrews to dogfight actual MiG-17s, MiG-21s, and MiG-23s.
• Aircraft Variety: The unit operated a unique and diverse fleet, including MiG-17 Fresco, MiG-21 Fishbed, and MiG-23 Flogger, many acquired via clandestine means from countries like Indonesia, Egypt, and Israel.
• Deactivation and Legacy: The squadron was inactivated in 1992, but its legacy continues in current USAF adversary and foreign materiel exploitation programs.
• Secrecy and Code Names: Due to the sensitive nature of its work, many details about the 6513th FTS were classified for decades, and the squadron operated under various code names and numbers to mask its true mission.
• Influence on Modern Air Combat: The squadron’s data and training profoundly influenced U.S. air tactics, leading to the creation of programs like Red Flag and Top Gun, and shaping air superiority doctrine through the end of the Cold War.
