Air National Guard Air Force Reserve Command Test Center

Air National Guard Air Force Reserve Command Test Center
162nd Wing Arizona Air National Guard
Story and photos by Ken Middleton

The Air National Guard Air Force Reserve Command Test Center (AATC) is located at Morris Air National Guard Base, Tucson International Airport, in southern Arizona. It is a unit within the 162nd Wing of the Arizona Air National Guard. Originally founded as the Fighter Weapons Office in 1981, it was initially dedicated to improving software used in A-7 Corsair aircraft, solely being flown by the Air National Guard at that time. In 1987, it was renamed to its current name.

From the AATC website:
“AATC is responsible for operational and developmental test and evaluation and tactics development and evaluation for all ARC weapons systems. This composite flying organization is composed of A-10, C-130H, F-15, F-16, HC-130, HH-60, KC-135, MC-12, MQ-1, MQ-9, and RC-26 aircraft at four geographically separated units. Additionally, AATC is chartered to modernize the ARC’s Battlefield Airman Enterprise which is comprised of joint terminal attack controllers, pararescuemen, and special tactics personnel.

AATC is a unique, efficient, and extraordinarily effective organization driving “80 percent solutions at 20 percent of the cost” and remains focused on continuing the legacy of unmatched response to warfighter requirements and transformational support to Air Force missions.”

I visited AATC on 27 January 2026 to get a look at their operations when launching and recovering their aircraft. I was briefed in detail on what I could take for photos and what was off limits, which was understandable due to their mission. Additionally, after each time on the ramp (twice that day), my photos were reviewed.

AATC currently has 8 Lockheed Martin Block 42 F-16C Fighting Falcons, or more commonly referred to as Vipers. They recently moved to the higher block after operating Block 25/32 for many years. The jets carry the “AT” tailcode, whereas the rest of the 162nd Wing jets carry “AZ”. Occasionally they may borrow another 162nd Wing Viper for tests to compare software releases, etc.

As usual, specific tests were being done on this mission as the crews were busy talking with each other getting ready for the launch. Other than AATC and the 21st Fighter Squadron Taiwan Vipers, the rest of the 162nd Wing was night flying, so the overall ramp was more quiet than usual.

I captured 4 Vipers being prepped and taxiing out but was not able to get good take off shots, which was fine as I still had a few more days in Tucson to capture them off base. After they took off I waited in their building for them to return for a few more photos. Fortunately, the next day I was able to get some take off shots from outside the base.

It had been a while since I photographed Vipers being prepped and launched, and it was a great experience to get a glimpse into the aircraft test world.

I follow AATC on LinkedIn, where frequent updates highlight the important work the unit does, which is too numerous to list here.

I want to thank everyone at AATC for the support and hospitality, and especially thank Rosco, Slip (for being first POC!), Beast, Wicked, Brent, Tim and the female airman who assisted me in buying the ever popular swag. I’m particularly appreciative of Bullet, for helping arrange the visit and being my escort on a chillier than expected Tucson ramp!