F-16s under arrest

An F-16CM Fighting Falcon assigned to the 77th Fighter Squadron latches onto a Barrier Artillery Kit-12 rotary friction brake aircraft arresting system at Shaw Air Force Base, S.C., Dec. 3, 2016. The arresting systems are tested annually to ensure proper functionality when halting an aircraft in distress. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Christopher Maldonado)

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F-16s under arrest | Flashback Friday March 31st

An F-16CM Fighting Falcon catches a Barrier Arresting Kit-12 rotary friction brake aircraft arresting system at Shaw Air Force Base, S.C., March 31, 2006. These systems are replaced every 10 years to help ensure the safety of the pilot and aircraft. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tarsha Storey)

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F-16s under arrest | Flashback Friday March 31st

Published March 31, 2017
By Airman 1st Class Christopher Maldonado
20th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

Shaw Air Force Base -- This week’s #FlashbackFriday takes a look at the safety mechanisms in place to assist F-16CM Fighting Falcons in the event of an emergency landing.

Every 10 years, the two Barrier Arresting Kit-12s on #ShawAFB are replaced to help maintain pilot and aircraft safety. The arresting system utilizes a steel cable acting as a shock absorber, capable of withstanding 65 million pounds of force.

The system is set in place should a Falcon need to land due to an in-air emergency.

The system works in conjunction with a grappling hook that is deployed from the underside of the Falcon before touching down onto the landing strip. Once the hook attaches to the system, force is exerted by the BAK-12 to halt the aircraft.

Have you ever seen an F-16 halted in its tracks at full speed?

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F-16s under arrest

F-16s under arrest | Flashback Friday March 31st