F-16 arm/de-arm pad completed at Tucson International Airport

AviationPros | AviationPros

By Sky Industry News

Jun 18, 2024

Tucson Airport Authority (TAA) and the 162nd Wing Arizona Air National Guard (AANG) have announced the completion of the largest F-16 Arm/De-Arm Pad in the United States. This project is part of the TUS Airfield Safety Enhancement Program, a $400 million initiative aimed at updating Tucson International Airport to meet current federal safety standards.

The collaborative effort between TAA and AANG includes an area designed to accommodate up to 14 aircraft simultaneously for pre-flight and post-flight operations. This development supports AANG's mission by enhancing operational flexibility.

Additionally, significant progress has been made with the completion of an End Around Taxiway. This infrastructure improvement will facilitate efficient military access to and from the airfield while navigating active runways. The installation of a Barrier Arresting Kit (BAK) on Runway 4-22 is another key achievement, providing a cable arresting system for safely capturing hook-fitted military aircraft.

Get the Newsletter

Sign-up to receive weekly round up of news from Sky Industry News

By submitting, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. By providing your phone number you are opting in and consenting to receive recurring SMS/MMS messages, including automated texts, to that number from our short code. Msg & data rates may apply. Reply HELP for help, STOP to end. SMS opt-in will not be sold, rented, or shared.

These developments reflect ongoing collaboration between TAA and AANG as they work towards transitioning Tucson International Airport into a safer facility with enhanced capabilities. The program aims to provide redundancy through a relocated parallel runway, which is expected to benefit Southern Arizona for many years.

The entire project is slated for completion by 2029.