Many fast jet tps were QWIs before becoming a tp. This is not surprising because the professional capabilities required for both jobs are much the same - above average pilots with a good analytical brain. As a tp it really helped if you were a QWI as well if you became involved in weapon delivery and weapon development trials. The fundamental difference between the two specialisations is that a QWI takes an aircraft and its weapons system and develops tactics and procedures to get the best out of it operationally whereas a tp helps to develop and get into service the aircraft/systems on which the tactics are then developed. One qualification is not better than the other and both specialisations are needed.
Probably the most satisfying flight test programme on which I worked was the integration of TIALD on the Jaguar. The systems development flying was done in a T2 and for about 90% of the sorties it was crewed by one tp and one QWI; that was combined testing at its best and most efficient!
Last edited by LOMCEVAK; 8th Jun 2013 at 12:02.