An official website of the United States government
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

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
See More
Photo of an undergaraduate combat systems officer graduation 479th Flying Training Group
479th Flying Training Group
See More
An Airman inspects an aircraft 12th Operations Group
12th Operations Group
See More

Articles

49th EMS switch from mechanical to electrical fuzes on the MK82

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Michelle Ferrari
  • 49th Wing Public Affairs
HOLLOMAN AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. --  

Crew members from the 49th Equipment Maintenance Squadron built a live Mark 82 bomb using the M904 and M905 mechanical fuzes, the last of which are slated to phase out at the end of the year.

The M904s and M905s have been in use since the 1970s and are vital to the MK-82 bomb.

Designed and manufactured during the first World War, the MK-82 has been used by the U.S. military and other nations in conflicts around the world including Afghanistan, Gaza, Iraq and the Gulf War. Notably, the MK-82 saw extensive deployment in Southeast Asia during the Vietnam War.

The MK-82 is a 500-pound unguided, low-drag general-purpose bomb and, according to U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Angela McAllister, 49th EMS munitions programs manager, is one of the most versatile bombs.

“The MK-82 is effective against a wide range of targets, including buildings and vehicles,” she said. “Its versatility and destructive power make it a valuable asset for military forces conducting airstrikes in combat zones.”

Outfitted with new, more modern electrical fuzes the MK-82 will remain in the U.S. arsenal for decades to come.

“The mechanical fuze, powered by a windmill in the bomb’s nose and tail, activates the detonation mechanism,” said U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Rodney Belcher, 49th EMS crew chief. “In contrast, the electrical fuze is situated centrally within the bomb, receiving its charge through the wire.”

According to Belcher, this shift from mechanical to electrical force allows for a different kind of energy utilization by moving away from the kinetic energy generated by the windmills at the rear and nose, this will give the pilots more opportunities to figure out how they want to drop the bombs when they're flying, increasing its target accuracy.

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.