56th CES maintain arresting system, ensure safety

An F-16C Fighting Falcon assigned to the 309th Fighter Squadron accelerates towards emergency cables during an annual drill to recertify the BAK-12 arresting system May 8, 2020, at Luke Air Force Base, Ariz. The BAK-12, which is maintained by the 56th Civil Engineer Squadron, uses modified brake systems connected by a cable across the runway designed to slow down aircraft during emergency landings. Luke AFB is home to F-16s and F-35A Lightning IIs enabling assigned Airmen to train the world’s greatest fighter pilots and combat-ready Airmen. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Jacob Wongwai)

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56th CES maintain arresting system, ensure safety

An F-16C Fighting Falcon stops after catching an emergency cable during an annual drill to recertify the BAK-12 arresting system May 8, 2020, at Luke Air Force Base, Ariz. The BAK-12 is tested every year by the 56th Civil Engineer Squadron, to ensure the modified brake system and cable is operational and ready for use in case of aircraft landing emergencies. Luke AFB is home to F-16s and F-35 Lightning IIs enabling assigned Airmen to train the world’s greatest fighter pilots and combat ready Airmen. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Jacob Wongwai)

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56th CES maintain arresting system, ensure safety

An F-16C Fighting Falcon assigned to the 309th Fighter Squadron catches an emergency cable during an annual drill to recertify the BAK-12 arresting system May 8, 2020, at Luke Air Force Base, Ariz. The BAK-12, which is maintained by the 56th Civil Engineer Squadron, slows aircraft by using modified brake systems on either side of the runway connected by a cable running across the runway. Luke AFB is home to F-16s and F-35A Lightning IIs enabling assigned Airmen to train the world’s greatest fighter pilots and combat-ready Airmen. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Jacob Wongwai)

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56th CES maintain arresting system, ensure safety

Airman 1st Class Nicholas Mandolfo, 56th Civil Engineer Squadron power production apprentice, ties rope to the BAK-12 arresting system cable after performing an annual recertification drill May 8, 2020, at Luke Air Force Base, Ariz. The rope prevents the cable from hitting the bottom of the aircraft and causing damage. The BAK-12, which is maintained by the 56th CES, slows aircraft by using modified brake systems on either side of the runway connected by a cable running across the runway. Luke AFB is home to F-35A Lightning IIs and F-16 Fighting Falcons enabling assigned Airmen to train the world’s greatest fighter pilots and combat ready Airmen. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Brooke Moeder)

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56th CES maintain arresting system, ensure safety

An F-35A Lightning II takes off May 8, 2020, at Luke Air Force Base, Ariz. The F-35 produces 43,000 pounds of thrust and is designed to provide the pilot with situational awareness, positive target identification and precision strike in all-weather conditions. Luke AFB is home to F-35A Lightning IIs and F-16 Fighting Falcons enabling assigned Airmen to train the world’s greatest fighter pilots and combat ready Airmen. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Brooke Moeder)

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56th CES maintain arresting system, ensure safety

An F-16C Fighting Falcon, assigned to the 310th Fighter Squadron, takes off May 8, 2020, at Luke Air Force Base, Ariz. The F-16 is a highly maneuverable aircraft capable of air-to-air combat and air-to-surface attack. Luke AFB is home to F-35A Lightning IIs and F-16 Fighting Falcons enabling assigned Airmen to train the world’s greatest fighter pilots and combat ready Airmen. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Brooke Moeder)

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56th CES maintain arresting system, ensure safety

Staff Sgt. Jared Houston, 56th Civil Engineer Squadron power production supervisor, inspects purchase tape after performing the BAK-12 annual recertification drill May 8, 2020, at Luke Air Force Base, Ariz. Purchase tape is an energy absorbing material that is abrasion resistant and helps stop an aircraft forced to make an emergency landing. The BAK-12, which is maintained by the 56th CES, uses modified brake systems connected by a cable across the runway designed to slow down aircraft during emergency landings. Luke AFB is home to F-35A Lightning IIs and F-16 Fighting Falcons enabling assigned Airmen to train the world’s greatest fighter pilots and combat ready Airmen. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Brooke Moeder)

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56th CES maintain arresting system, ensure safety

Airmen replace the BAK-12 arresting system tape connector after performing an annual recertification drill May 8, 2020, at Luke Air Force Base, Ariz. During the recertification drill engineers found wear on and replaced the tape connector. The BAK-12, which is maintained by the 56th Civil Engineer Squadron, uses modified brake systems connected by a cable across the runway designed to slow aircraft during emergency landings. Luke AFB is home to F-35A Lightning IIs and F-16 Fighting Falcons enabling assigned Airmen to train the world’s greatest fighter pilots and combat ready Airmen. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Brooke Moeder)

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56th CES maintain arresting system, ensure safety

An Airman assigned to the 56th Civil Engineer Squadron replaces the tape connector on the BAK-12 arresting system May 8, 2020, at Luke Air Force Base, Ariz. The 56th CES evaluates the BAK-12 every year to ensure the modified brake system and cable is operational and ready for use in case of aircraft landing emergencies. Luke AFB is home to F-35A Lightning IIs and F-16 Fighting Falcons enabling assigned Airmen to train the world’s greatest fighter pilots and combat ready Airmen. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Brooke Moeder)

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56th CES maintain arresting system, ensure safety

Published May 15, 2020
By Airman 1st Class Brooke Moeder, Senior Airman Jacob Wongwai
56th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

LUKE AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. -- An F-16C Fighting Falcon assigned to the 309th Fighter Squadron accelerates towards emergency cables during an annual drill to recertify the BAK-12 arresting system May 8, 2020, at Luke Air Force Base, Ariz. The BAK-12, which is maintained by the 56th Civil Engineer Squadron, uses modified brake systems connected by a cable across the runway designed to slow down aircraft during emergency landings. Luke AFB is home to F-16s and F-35A Lightning IIs enabling assigned Airmen to train the world’s greatest fighter pilots and combat-ready Airmen. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Jacob Wongwai)