3 teams of five pilots were chosen by the CSN to participate in a simulated evaluation program of the five fighters, with the team succeeding in the graded tests going on to pilot the craft in real world scenarios.

On June 13th 2617, the ATAFs were taken to the Aster system on board CSN Griffin, where Elliott Parks intended on putting them through their paces against the enemy forces. During the course of Operation Menelaus (and in the events proceeding it), the ATAFs were proven to out perform all other fighter craft on the field.

Additionally, their strong defensive capabilities were proven when an Imperial Sphinx fighter collided head-on with an ATAF piloted by Kelly Taylor. The Sphinx was destroyed, whilst the ATAF survived without even suffering lose of its shielding.

As well as their armaments, each ATAF was shown to be fitted with a cloaking device, enabling the fighter to be hidden from both visual and electronic detection. This feature was taken advantage of by the White Knights as they travelled through the Phylent system, to Arlos starport.

Simon Dodds raised concerns about the craft, believing it not to be the next generation of starfighter, but seemingly to have been built for a specific purpose. These views, however, were not shared by his wingmates.