417th Flight Test Squadron

Emblem

Description

On a disc Azure, a bendlet superimposed by a bend sinister Or, a stylized dragon in profile Vert, eyed of the second, nostril and talons Sable, grasping in sinister hind claw and tail a missile bendwise Argent (Silver Gray), inflamed Yellow, all within a narrow border Yellow.

Attached above the disc, a Blue scroll edged with a narrow Yellow border and inscribed “TRUST BUT VERIFY” in Yellow letters.

Attached below the disc, a Blue scroll edged with a narrow Yellow border and inscribed “417TH FLIGHT TEST SQ” in Yellow letters.

Symbolism

Ultramarine blue and Air Force yellow are the Air Force colors.  Blue alludes to the sky, the primary theater of Air Force operations.  Yellow refers to the sun and the excellence required of Air Force personnel.  The dragon represents the unit’s plane--a large, ferocious beast that projects energy.  The missile represents the target of the Airborne Laser weapon system.  The crossroads represent the crossing-over from conventional weapons to laser weapons.  The unit’s motto is “Trust But Verify.”