Barrier arresting kit construction complete

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Benjamin Sutton
  • 366th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
MOUNTAIN HOME AIR FORCE BASE, Idaho --  The airfield above MHAFB was closed July 12-14 in order for 366th Fighter Wing personnel and civilian contractors to move the runway barrier arresting kit.

The BAK-12 aircraft arresting system is a permanent arresting system installed in pits or sheds alongside the runway and is used to bring disabled aircraft to a safe stop when pilots are unable to.

"Basically, this barrier replacement project provides more room for aircraft at the end of the runway to maneuver in case of an in-flight emergency or ground abort," said Chief Master Sgt. Christina Bolle, 366th Operations Support Squadron airfield manager. "In order to safely perform the construction we closed the runway and entire airfield so crews could accomplish things quickly and efficiently.

"We also changed or replaced the airfield lighting and distance remaining markers due to the new length of the runway," she continued. "Once those were changed we had to remove the temporary markings along the runway as well."

Now that construction is complete, the new aircraft arresting system is used to bring disabled aircraft safely to a complete stop.

"We performed and passed a test July 15 and are back to normal operations with a 1,500-foot runway and BAK-12 at each end," said Bolle. "This is the most efficient and most importantly, safe location for the F-15's to perform emergency maneuvers if necessary. It's very important for aircrew to have ample space and time during their take-offs and landings."

The U.S. Air Force has mandated aircraft arresting systems like the BAK-12 are installed along runway and overruns of all airfields supporting fighter and training aircraft.

"This is a more secure location allowing us to safely complete our base's mission of providing dominant combat airpower," said 2nd Lt. Devin Borden, 366th OSS airfield operations officer. "The extra distance will allow aircrew time to think and then make smart decisions."

With the barrier construction now complete, Gunfighter aircrews are better prepared to answer their nation's call anytime, anywhere across the globe.

"This really was a gigantic group effort between the civil engineering, operations support and contracting squadrons as well as our civilian contractor," said Bolle. "We could not have accomplished it alone and these organizations were vital in the completion."