Where is Hanscom Air Force Base?
Introduction
Hanscom Air Force Base is a United States Air Force base located in Massachusetts, USA. It is a major center for military aviation and technology development, and is home to the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center (AFLCMC). In this article, we will answer the question "Where is Hanscom Air Force Base?" and provide an overview of the base’s location, history, and activities.
Location
Hanscom Air Force Base is located in East Massachusetts, approximately 22 miles west of Boston and 30 miles east of Worcester. The base is situated in the towns of Bedford and Concord, Massachusetts, and is accessible via Interstate 95.
Map
| Map | Description |
|---|---|
 | Hanscom Air Force Base location map |
History
Hanscom Air Force Base was established in 1941 as a pilot training base during World War II. The base was originally known as Bedford Army Air Field, and was home to the 52nd Fighter Group. After the war, the base was converted to a radar development and testing facility, and was renamed Hanscom Air Force Base in 1951 in honor of Dr. Theodore von Kármán, a pioneering aerodynamicist.
Activities
Hanscom Air Force Base is a major center for military aviation and technology development, and is home to a wide range of activities and organizations. Some of the base’s key activities include:
- Air Force Life Cycle Management Center (AFLCMC): The AFLCMC is responsible for the management and sustainment of military aircraft and systems. The center is headquartered at Hanscom Air Force Base, and is responsible for maintaining and upgrading a wide range of military aircraft, including fighter jets, bombers, and transport planes.
- Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL): The AFRL is responsible for conducting research and development in a wide range of areas, including materials science, propulsion systems, and electronic warfare. The AFRL is headquartered at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Ohio, but has a significant presence at Hanscom Air Force Base.
- Air Force Academy: The Air Force Academy is a four-year institution that provides education and training to future Air Force officers. The academy is headquartered at the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado, but has a satellite campus at Hanscom Air Force Base.
- Air National Guard: The Air National Guard is a reserve component of the Air Force, and is responsible for providing training and support to Air National Guard units across the country. Hanscom Air Force Base is home to a number of Air National Guard units, including the Massachusetts Air National Guard.
Key Statistics
| Statistic | Description |
|---|---|
| Employee Count | Over 6,000 military, civilian, and contractor employees work at Hanscom Air Force Base. |
| Annual Budget | The base’s annual budget is approximately $1.5 billion. |
| Aircraft | The base is home to over 100 aircraft, including fighter jets, transport planes, and helicopters. |
| Square Feet | The base occupies over 1,700 acres of land, with over 4 million square feet of buildings and infrastructure. |
Conclusion
Hanscom Air Force Base is a major center for military aviation and technology development, and is an important part of the Air Force’s global network. Located in East Massachusetts, the base is accessible via Interstate 95 and is home to a wide range of activities and organizations, including the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center, the Air Force Research Laboratory, the Air Force Academy, and the Air National Guard. With over 6,000 employees and an annual budget of over $1.5 billion, Hanscom Air Force Base is an important part of the regional economy and a vital asset for the Air Force.
Additional Resources
For more information about Hanscom Air Force Base, visit the base’s official website at www.hanscom.af.mil. The base is also active on social media, and can be followed on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.
References
- [1] Hanscom Air Force Base. (2022). About Hanscom. Retrieved from https://www.hanscom.af.mil/About-Us/About-Hanscom/
- [2] Air Force Life Cycle Management Center. (2022). About Us. Retrieved from https://www.af.lcm.cf/
- [3] Air Force Research Laboratory. (2022). About Us. Retrieved from https://www.afrel.wpafb.af.mil/About-Us/
- [4] Massachusetts Air National Guard. (2022). About Us. Retrieved from https://www.massguard.ang.af.mil/
