RED HORSE team improves flightline operations

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. James Law
  • 455th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs
BAGRAM AIR BASE, Afghanistan (AFPN) --  Airmen assigned to the 1st Expeditionary RED HORSE Group are nearing the completion of installing a barrier arresting kit on the flightline at Bagram Air Base, Afghanistan.

"The BAK 12 is an emergency stopping system for tail-hook equipped aircraft when they have in-flight emergencies and they don't have hydraulics or brakes," said Tech. Sgt. Barry Snyder Jr., 1st Expeditionary RED HORSE Group power production craftsman and project manager. "It's similar to the one on an aircraft carrier that stops the aircraft."

Sergeant Snyder added the system can be used to assist pilots during aircraft departures as well if they encounter a problem requiring them to abort takeoff and come to a quick stop.

"The BAK system here will stop a plane within 900-1,200 feet depending on aircraft speed and weight" Sergeant Snyder said.

"The biggest obstacle we have faced installing the BAK 12 has been the weather," said Sergeant Snyder. "We cannot let the concrete freeze because it will destroy the strength of the concrete, and we will have to rip it all out and pour it again."

This barrier arresting kit 12-series is the second of two installed here replacing the mobile aircraft arresting systems. The first BAK 12 was installed on the opposite end of the flightline in November 2007.

"One of the advantages to having the permanent system [BAK 12] over the mobile system is the permanent system does not have to be moved," Sergeant Snyder said. 

Sergeant Snyder explained that the mobile system is mounted on the ground surface, and must be moved every year unless there is a waiver. The soil can buckle and break after prolonged use and cause the braking system to come loose. Because the BAK 12 is in the ground, it's also safer because there is not an obstruction to hit in the event an aircraft runs off the runway.

The BAK 12 installation is scheduled to be completed mid-March.

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