Tyndall history revisited Published May 3, 2010 By Ted Roberts 325th Fighter Wing historian TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- In the early 1950s, all-weather jet interception required a two-man aircrew: a pilot to fly the aircraft to the target and a radar observer to take the plane in for the kill. However, with the advent of the F-86D Sabre, the direction of aircraft intercepts and intercept training was changed forever. Modern, sophisticated weapons, radar-tracking equipment, and a high-tech guidance system eliminated the need for a radar observer. With these new systems, a pilot was automatically brought on target and on-board radar-tracking systems selected the precise moment for the pilot to fire air-to-air rockets. Accordingly, the Interceptor Aircrew School adjusted its training to incorporate ground-controlled interception. As a result of this new training concept, pilots learned to fly the new F-86D in conjunction with aircraft controllers on the ground that tracked the target and guided the interceptor pilot to it. With interceptor training at Tyndall centering on the F-86D, well-qualified instructors were required, which led to the creation of the U.S. Air Force Interceptor Weapons Instructor School. On Feb. 1, 1954, Headquarters Combat Training Air Force assigned a nucleus of F-86D Sabre pilots to the newly opened school as instructors. On July 1 of that year, class began. Selected graduates of the first three classes were chosen to stay as intercept weapons instructors.