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12th Flying Training Wing

The 12th Flying Training Wing, headquartered at Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph, Texas, develops the next generation of Air Force aviators and enlisted aircrew by providing world-class flying training and education. The wing trains Airmen in the fundamentals of airmanship, instruction and leadership, preparing them for success in operational units across the Air Force. Through undergraduate Combat Systems Officer training, Pilot Instructor Training, Introduction to Fighter Fundamentals, Remotely Piloted Aircraft pilot indoctrination, enlisted aviator training, and other specialized programs, the 12th FTW produces skilled, adaptable, and combat-ready professionals capable of meeting the demands of today's complex operating environment while strengthening the future of American airpower.

 

 

12FTW Units

aircraft mechanic, performs maintenance 12th Maintenance Group
12th Maintenance Group
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Photo of an undergaraduate combat systems officer graduation 479th Flying Training Group
479th Flying Training Group
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An Airman inspects an aircraft 12th Operations Group
12th Operations Group
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Articles

Red Hawk readies for climate chamber testing

  • Published
  • By Alexandra Kuehner and Samuel King Jr.
  • Eglin Air Force Base Public Affairs

EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. (AFNS)-- The Air Force’s new bird of prey, the T-7 Red Hawk, arrived at Eglin Air Force Base Dec. 15 to begin a series of climate testing at Eglin AFB’s McKinley Climatic Lab. 

A T-7 Red Hawk rests inside a hangar, while base personnel walk around to view it.
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The purpose of the testing is to verify the T-7A’s system functionality while operating in extreme environmental conditions. Among others, those conditions consist of minus 25 degrees Fahrenheit and up to 110 degrees sustained temperatures. The climatic chamber testing will evaluate the aircraft system’s performance including propulsion, hydraulic, fuel, electrical, secondary power, environmental control and overall operations. 

“The Red Hawk must withstand a range of environments from sitting on the ground in the Texas heat to flying at altitude,” said Dr. Troy C. Hoeger, Air Force Life Cycle Management Center’s T-7A chief developmental tester. “The climatic lab helps us do this in a deliberate and methodical way and will give us confidence that our new aircraft meets requirements.” 

A U.S. Air Force brigadier general, a deputy commander, and flight test engineer talk in front of the T-7 Red Hawk.
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The relatively new T-7A only arrived at Edwards AFB, California for testing in November.  It is set to be the replacement aircraft to T-38C fleet. The T-7A will drastically improve training for the next generation of fighter and bomber pilots and will better prepare student pilots to advance into fourth and fifth-generation fighter and bomber aircraft. With advanced mission systems, a glass touchscreen cockpit, stadium seating and embedded training capability the T-7A Redhawk will make a fundamental difference in future pilot training, according to Hoeger. 

"The Red Hawk now joins many other Air Force aircraft tested at McKinley, from World War II to today’s 21st century planes, to ensure they will operate in real world conditions.” Hoeger said. 

Base personnel gather around the T-7 Red Hawk inside a hangar.

Base personnel gather around the T-7 Red Hawk at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., Dec. 18, 2023. The Red Hawk will undergo testing inside Eglin AFB’s McKinley Climatic Lab to verify system functionality while operating in extreme environmental conditions. (U.S. Air Force photo by Michelle Gigante)
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A civilian looks inside the T-7 Red Hawk exhaust nozzle.

A civilian looks inside the T-7 Red Hawk exhaust nozzle at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., Dec. 18, 2023. The aircraft arrived at Eglin AFB’s McKinley Climatic Lab for test and evaluation of the aircraft system’s performance including propulsion, hydraulic, fuel, electric, and overall operations. (U.S. Air Force photo by Michelle Gigante)

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A flight mechanic and deputy commander talk near the intake of a T-7 Red Hawk aircraft.

Lt. Col. Mary Clark, 96th Operations Group deputy commander, talks with Jeffery Hays, 416th Flight Test Squadron T-7 Red Hawk lead flight mechanic at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., Dec. 18, 2023. The newest pilot trainer now joins many other Air Force aircraft tested at McKinley Climatic Lab, from World War II to today’s 21st century planes. (U.S. Air Force photo by Michelle Gigante)
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Public Affairs Information

Tours of the 12th Flying Training Wing are provided to various community organizations, high schools, businesses, and academic military recruitment programs to educate their members about the 12th FTW mission.

Due to the high volume of requests and limited public affairs resources, tours and static displays are limited.

Please submit all requests in writing to the 12th FTW Public Affairs by email to 12ftw.pa.1@us.af.mil at least three weeks but no more than six weeks in advance. You may also call 210-652-1272.

Tours are not available on weekends and may be cancelled at any time because of increased security measures or mission requirements. The 12th FTW does not host tours of Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph at-large. To schedule a tour of JBSA-Randolph, please contact JBSA-Randolph Public Affairs at 502abw.pa.official@us.af.mil or dial 210-652-4410.

If desired, requestors must arrange all meals. PA will provide contact information to base eateries. Modified tours will be granted for those with limited mobility - this must be stated on the tour request. If not stated, it is assumed that mobility is not an issue.