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3246th Test Wing

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3246th Test Wing
3246th Test Wing - Emblem
Active1970-1992
CountryUnited States
BranchUnited States Air Force
RoleTesting
Motto(s)"Proof by Test"
F-16A block 15, 80-0573, from the 3247th Test Squadron, armed with an AIM-9 Sidewinder missile and a cluster weapon in flight on 12 May 1986. Aircraft now on display at Air Force Armament Museum, Eglin AFB, FL.
McDonnell Douglas RF-4C-40-MC Phantom II, 68-0594, 3247th Test Squadron, Eglin AFB, Florida, in Vietnam-era camouflage.
McDonnell F-4C-23-MC Phantom II, 64-0817, 3247th Test Squadron, Eglin AFB, Florida. Note ADCOM Gray scheme. Retired about 1990, now on display at Air Force Armament Museum, Eglin AFB.

The 3246th Test Wing was a flight test component of the Air Proving Ground Center, later Armament Division, at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, and was activated 1 July 1970 to provide weapon and countermeasures test duties. It was replaced by the 46th Test Wing in October 1992.

This unit is notable for operating the last active-duty USAF F-4D Phantom II (68-8800), relegated to the Eglin target range in July 1992. It carried the logo "Phantoms Phorever 1963-1992". 68-8800 has been sitting on the ramp at Pierce Field (Eglin Auxiliary Field #2) since retirement. It is there in 2012.[1]

History

Assigned to the 3246th Test Wing was the 3247th Test Squadron, which inherited F-4C/D/E and RF-4C Phantom II aircraft formerly assigned to the Air Proving Ground Center's 4533d Test Wing. The 3247th aircraft carried AD and ET tail codes, and a white tailband with red diamonds.

Components

  • 6585th Test Group, 1 January 1984 – 1 October 1992
  • 3247th Test Squadron, 1 July 1970 – 25 June 1982
Inactivated and combined with: 40th Test Squadron, 25 June 1982-1 October 1992

Stations

Aircraft

References

Public Domain This article incorporates public domain material from the Air Force Historical Research Agency

  1. ^ Thornbororough, Anthony M., and Davies, Peter E., "The Phantom Story", Arms and Armour Press, A Cassell Imprint, London, UK, 1994, ISBN 1-85409-121-2, page 278.
  • Martin, Patrick. Tail Code: The Complete History of USAF Tactical Aircraft Tail Code Markings. Schiffer Military Aviation History, 1994. ISBN 0-88740-513-4. Image source listed as United States Air Force
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