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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.
3246th Test Wing | |
---|---|
![]() 3246th Test Wing – Emblem | |
Active | 1970–1992 |
Country | United States |
Branch | United States Air Force |
Role | Testing |
Motto(s) | "Proof by Test" |
![](http://178.128.105.246/cars-http-upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/b/b4/3247th_Test_Squadron_General_Dynamics_F-16A_Block_15A_Fighting_Falcon_80-0573.jpg/220px-3247th_Test_Squadron_General_Dynamics_F-16A_Block_15A_Fighting_Falcon_80-0573.jpg)
![](http://178.128.105.246/cars-http-upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/3/31/McDonnell_Douglas_RF-4C-40-MC_Phantom-_68-0594.jpg/220px-McDonnell_Douglas_RF-4C-40-MC_Phantom-_68-0594.jpg)
![](http://178.128.105.246/cars-http-upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/1/17/McDonnell_F-4C-23-MC_Phantom_-_64-0817.jpg/220px-McDonnell_F-4C-23-MC_Phantom_-_64-0817.jpg)
This unit is notable for operating the last active-duty USAF F-4D Phantom II (66-8800), relegated to the Eglin target range in July 1992. It carried the logo "Phantoms Phorever 1963–1992". 66-8800 has been sitting on the ramp at Pierce Field (Eglin Auxiliary Field #2) since retirement. It is there in 2012.[1]
History
editAssigned 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
edit- 6585th Test Group, 1 January 1984 – 1 October 1992
- 3247th Test Squadron, 1 July 1970 – 1 October 1992 (inactivated and consolidated with 40th Tactical Fighter Squadron)
Stations
edit- Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, 1 July 1970 – 1 October 1992
Aircraft
editReferences
editThis article incorporates public domain material from the Air Force Historical Research Agency
- ^ 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