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The 105th Airlift Wing has established a C-17 Combined Test Force at Stewart Air National Guard Base to enhance the development and testing of technologies for its nine C-17 Globemaster III aircraft and the broader U.S. Air Force fleet.

This detachment will conduct operational and developmental testing of new technologies, including microvane drag reduction technology aimed at improving fuel efficiency. The initiative began around 2022 and has expanded to include various projects such as testing the battlefield assisted trauma distributed observation kit and electric ground power units. The shift toward utilizing Air Reserve Component personnel for technology development is noted, with the goal of improving the C-17's performance and readiness in future operations.