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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

Air Force officially accepts T-7A Ground Based Training System delivery

  • Published
  • Air Force Life Cycle Management Center's T-7 Red Hawk Division

JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-RANDOLPH, Texas — On June 12, 2026, the U.S. Air Force officially accepted the first eight T-7A Ground Based Training Systems (GBTS) devices into the Air Education and Training Command (AETC). The formal transfer of these highly advanced aircraft simulators represents a major milestone for the Air Force's T-7A Red Hawk Advanced Pilot Training program.

The acceptance of these initial devices follows a rigorous series of performance tests conducted over several months by collaborative teams from Boeing and the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center’s (AFLCMC) T-7 Red Hawk Division. These evaluations ensure that the new simulator systems meet the Air Force's strict training and safety standards.

These first eight of 46 planned GBTS units and associated support equipment began arriving at JBSA-Randolph in October 2025.

Following delivery, engineers and program personnel from both Boeing and the T-7 Program Office completed assembly and conducted extensive integration testing before the systems were cleared for full command ownership.

"The official transfer of the devices to AETC leads into the start of Type 1 Maintenance and Aircrew Training," said Michael Casey, Training Systems Branch Chief for the T-7 Red Hawk Division. "This training is the next step in preparations to support Initial Operational Test & Evaluation and the eventual start of advanced pilot training.”

The T-7 training system represents a paradigm shift in military aviation training as the first combined aircraft and simulator designed from inception with Embedded Training (ET) and Integrated Live, Virtual, and Constructive (I-LVC) capabilities.

Through Embedded Training, student pilots can engage with high-fidelity simulated weapon and sensor scenarios on their displays. This exposes them to complex, real-world systems while removing the operational and logistical challenges of using actual radar or ordnance. Meanwhile, the I-LVC capability enables a shared virtual environment where live aircraft and ground-based simulators can participate simultaneously in the same complex training scenarios within the AETC curriculum.

Additionally, a “one-push” software architecture unites the physical T-7 aircraft and the GBTS by utilizing the exact same operational flight software. As a result, student pilots training with devices on the ground will interact with the identical pilot-vehicle interfaces and experience the exact same aircraft capabilities they will encounter during live flight in the T-7A—all for the purpose of enhancing pilot readiness, proficiency, and safety.

The remaining GBTS devices are scheduled for delivery to T-7 pilot training bases at Columbus, Laughlin, Vance, and Sheppard Air Force Bases from 2027 to 2035. Once fully deployed, these capabilities will drastically increase the efficiency of pilot training, helping AETC meet the Air Force’s future pilot production goals.
 

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.