Page 29 - Desert Lightning News 5-6-16

Serving the Military and Aerospace Industry since 1986

Putting the KC-46 Pegasus through its paces AEROTECH NEWS AND REVIEW

CZ#P+PZOFS 3XEOLVKHGWKHȴUVW WKLUG)ULGD\RIHDFKPRQWK$HURWHFK1HZVDQG5HYLHZ
Edwards AFB, Calif. LVGLVWULEXWHGWRDHURVSDFHFRPSDQLHVLQWKH&$KLJKGHVHUWLQFOXGLQJ$)
3ODQW(GZDUGV$)%0RMDYH$LUSRUWDQGVXUURXQGLQJFRPPXQLWLHV
As the Air Force gets ready for the arrival of Courtesy photograph
its newest aerial refueling and strategic military To access the digital edition of Aerotech News and Review scan
transport aircraft, a diverse group of airmen is Lt. Col. John Mikal, a KC-46A Pegasus test pilot, is part of the team that’s putting the tanker through a series of critical pre-production tests at the QR code to the left.
working hard to make sure the KC-46A Pegasus Edwards Air Force Base, Calif.
is ready to meet the service’s needs. Lt. Col. www.aerotechnews.com
John Mikal is one of them. 10 and KC-46 flight test and aerial refueling program,” Col. Chris Coombs, the KC-46 sys- bility of the next-generation of tankers to the
ÀLJKWWHVWIRU$LU)RUFH7HVW&HQWHUSURJUDPV tem program manager at the Air Force Life ZDU¿JKWHUVXSSRUWLQJRXUJOREDOPLVVLRQVIRU HIGH DESERT WARRIOR
Mikal, a reservist KC-135 Stratotanker in- Cycle Management Center at Wright-Patterson years to come.”
structor pilot assigned to the 370th Flight Test On Jan. 24, the KC-46 successfully completed $)%2KLRVDLGDIWHUWKDWÀLJKW³:HKDYHKDG 3XEOLVKHGWKHȴUVW)ULGD\RIHDFKPRQWK+LJK'HVHUW:DUULRULVGLVWULEXWHG
Squadron, is also a KC-46 test pilot and member LWV¿UVWLQÀLJKWUHIXHOLQJGHPRQVWUDWLRQDVLW plans on paper and data from simulation labs, After the refueling test with the F-16, the KC- WRPLOLWDU\DQGFRQWUDFWRUSHUVRQQHODW)RUWΖUZLQ17&LQFOXGLQJRQ
of the team that’s putting the Pegasus through a passed 1,600 pounds of fuel to an F-16C Fight- EXWWKLVLQÀLJKWGHPRQVWUDWLRQVKRZVZHDUH $KDGDUREXVWLQÀLJKWUHIXHOLQJGHPRQVWUD- EDVH KRXVLQJ XQLWV RɝFHV DQG KLJK WUDɝF ORFDWLRQV RQ EDVH DV ZHOO DV
series of critical pre-production tests. ing Falcon. truly making progress on bringing this capa- tion schedule for the next few weeks. The test ORFDWLRQVWKURXJKRXW%DUVWRZDQGVXUURXQGLQJFRPPXQLWLHV
ZLWKWKH¿JKWHUMHWIXO¿OOHGWKHUHTXLUHPHQWWR
Boeing developed the KC-46 from its 767 jet “These are exciting times for the KC-46A Boeing photograph by John D. Parker connect to a light/fast receiver aircraft. The re- To access the digital edition of High Desert Warrior scan the QR
airliner and is scheduled to deliver 179 of the maining tests with the boom were scheduled to code to the left.
DLUFUDIWWRWKH$LU)RUFHE\7KH¿UVW A KC-46 refuels AV-8B Harrier II March 1, 2016. use an A-10 Thunderbolt II as the light/slow re-
combat-ready tankers are scheduled to be deliv- ceiver and a C-17 Globemaster III as the heavy www.fortirwinnews.com
ered by August 2017. receiver.
BULLSEYE
To meet that timeline, Boeing is working Mikal said the KC-46 test aircraft will be
closely with the Air Force to put the KC-46 spending a lot of time at Edwards AFB in the 3XEOLVKHG HYHU\ )ULGD\ %XOOVH\H LV GLVWULEXWHG WR PLOLWDU\ DQG FRQWUDFWRU
WKURXJKLWVSDFHV7KHFRPSDQ\¶V¿UVWWHVWDLU- coming months as it goes through aerial refuel- SHUVRQQHO RQ 1HOOLV DQG &UHHFK $)%V LQFOXGLQJ DOO RɝFHV KLJK WUDɝF
craft, a Boeing 767-2C, touched down at Ed- LQJFHUWL¿FDWLRQWHVWLQJZLWKDKRVWRI$LU)RUFH ORFDWLRQVDQGKRXVLQJXQLWVDVZHOODVORFDWLRQVWKURXJKRXW/DV9HJDV19
ZDUGV$LU)RUFH%DVH&DOLIIRUWKH¿UVWWLPH and coalition aircraft.
Oct. 15 for several days of fuel onload fatigue To access the digital edition of Bullseye scan the QR code to the left.
WHVWLQJ'XULQJWKHVHWHVWVWKH.&ÀHZLQ “There are about 18 different aircraft that
close formations with a KC-135 and KC-10 Ex- need to be tested as they take on fuel from the www.nellisafbnews.com
tender to see how the aircraft performed in dif- KC-46,” he said. “A lot of that testing will take
ferent aerial refueling positions. While no fuel place here at Edwards, and I am ready to help DESERT LIGHTNING NEWS
was passed, Boeing engineers were able to test out with that testing however I can.”
the stress and strain on the Pegasus. 3XEOLVKHG WKH ȴUVW )ULGD\ RI HDFK PRQWK 'HVHUW /LJKWQLQJ 1HZV LV
Edwards AFB continues to be the premier GLVWULEXWHG WR PLOLWDU\ DQG FRQWUDFWRU SHUVRQQHO RQ 'DYLV0RQWKDQ $)%
0LNDOÀHZDVWKHDLUFUDIWFRPPDQGHURIWKH EDVHIRUÀLJKWWHVWLQJWKH$LU)RUFH¶VQHZHVW LQFOXGLQJDOORQEDVHRɝFHVDQGKLJKWUDɝFORFDWLRQVWKURXJKRXW7XFVRQ
.&GXULQJWKH¿UVWDHULDOUHIXHOLQJPDQHX- capabilities, and the Air Force Reserve’s 370th
vers of a KC-46 behind a KC-135 and in close FTS continues to support when needed. To access the digital edition of Desert Lightning News scan the
formation with both the KC-10 and KC-46 on QR code to the left.
2FW7ZRGD\VODWHUKHÀHZDVDSLORWDERDUG The KC-46A Pegasus is intended to replace
the KC-46 during an aerial refueling receiver WKH $LU )RUFH¶V DJLQJ WDQNHU ÀHHW ZKLFK KDV
onload fatigue test behind a KC-10. He was the been refueling aircraft for more than 50 years.
¿UVW$LU)RUFHUHVHUYLVWWRÀ\WKH&WKH With more refueling capacity and enhanced ca-
commercial test variant of the KC-46. SDELOLWLHVLPSURYHGHI¿FLHQF\DQGLQFUHDVHG

“It was a tremendous honor to participate in See TANKER, Page 2
and conduct KC-46 testing with the test team,”
Mikal said. “The KC-46 will be an amazing
operational aircraft, and I’m humbled to have
the opportunity to be a part of this amazingly
talented test team.”

Mikal isn’t the only Air Force reservist from
WKHWK)/76TXDOL¿HGWRWDNHSDUWLQWKH.&
46 testing. The 370th has two KC-46 initial cad-
re boom operators — Master Sgts. Aaron Ray
and Scott Scurlock — who will be taking part in
Pegasus refueling testing in the coming months.

The 370th FLTS is an embedded Air Force
Reserve unit with a mission of providing KC-
135 aerial refueling test support to both opera-
WLRQDO DQG WHVWFRQ¿JXUHG UHFHLYHU DLUFUDIW DW
Edwards AFB’s 412th Test Wing. The Reserve
unit also leads management and execution of
the business effort mission at Edwards AFB,
which utilizes operational Air Mobility Com-
mand KC-135 and KC-10 tankers to support
URXWLQHUHIXHOLQJRIQRQWHVWFRQ¿JXUHGWK
TW receiver aircraft.

Since some 370th FLTS pilots are test pilots
DQGVRPHRILWVERRPRSHUDWRUVDUHÀLJKWWHVW
boom operators, they augment the KC-135, KC-

"QSJM
r7PMVNF
*TTVF Serving the aerospace industry since 1986 Use your smartphone to connect to
www.aerotechnews.com www.facebook.com/aerotechnews our Website.

Volume 12, Number 4 1VCMJTIFEJOUIFJOUFSFTUPGUIF/BUJPOBM5SBJOJOH$FOUFSBOE'PSU*SXJODPNNVOJUZtwww.irwin.army.mil April 1, 2016

‘Welcome home!’

Cpl. Eli Marvin – a Soldier with Headquarters and Headquarters Troop, 1st Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment – shakes hands with James Pinnix, a Vietnam War Veteran, here,
March 19. Pinnix, of Orange, Calif., was a Navy Hospital Corpsman who served with the United States Marines in Vietnam, 1966-67.

Story and photos by Gustavo Bahena of the NTC headquarters, where Martin, NTC Command Sgt. meet our national security needs,” Martin said.
Maj. Edison Rebuck, and their families waved and greeted the The guest speaker, Joseph Galloway, was introduced by Col.
Public Affairs Office Veterans riding atop military trucks, motorcycles and classic
cars. The route was also lined with hundreds of Soldiers and Scott Taylor, commander of Fort Irwin United States Army
The National Training Center and Fort Irwin honored Vet- family members, who cheered the procession. Garrison. Galloway is a retired journalist and co-author of “We
erans of the Vietnam War era during an event here, March 19. Were Soldiers Once … and Young.”
The Veterans continued to receive applause and recognition
On a clear, warm day, just before the start of spring, the com- as they entered the tent for a ceremony and lunch. Taylor explained Galloway served four tours as a war corre-
manding general of this Army combat training center – Maj. spondent in Vietnam. He was recognized in 1998 with a Bronze
Gen. Joseph Martin – proclaimed, “Welcome Home!” to the Martin expressed that Soldiers and the community was hon- Medal with “V” device for rescuing wounded Soldiers under
Veterans during a ceremony celebrating their military service. ored and humbled to host the Veterans “from three generations fire in Ia Drang Valley with the 7th Cavalry in November 1965.
ago for their service to our nation.”
Approximately 500 Veterans and their guests sat inside a “He is the only civilian to be awarded a medal for valor by
cavernous tent with Soldiers and leadership during the late “Some of you made a long journey to come here … but all the U.S. Army for actions in combat,” Taylor said.
morning ceremony. They had received a hero’s welcome from of you have come here from a long life’s journey in a time and
the start of the day, which began with a motorcycle escort to circumstance of faith that brought you in the prime of your life Galloway thanked the former servicemembers in the audi-
“Painted Rocks,” just outside the installation gate. They took to spend a tour of duty, or more, in Vietnam, to serve the United ence and stated, “Welcome home brothers and sister Veterans.”
a group photo there and then participated in a parade in front States in Germany, Korea or elsewhere around the world – to
See WELCOME HOME, page 12

Vol. 66 No. 13
April 1, 2016

HHL16 provides new capabilities to JTACs

By Airman 1st Class Nathan Byrnes of development,” said Waters. “We are U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Nathan Byrnes
testing an extremely capable device that
99th Air Base Wing Public Affairs has been manufactured in a very short A civilian contractor and a joint terminal attack controller use the Hand Held Link 16, which
time frame. What we have seen so far enables digitally aided close air support integration during the operational assessment of
NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE, Nev. — with the testing has been extremely the HHL16 radio March 24, on the Nevada Test and Training Range. Link 16 was originally
Special Operations Command, De- valuable and useful for both JTACs and designed for air-to-air missions, but the technology has made the transition to ground forces
partment of Defense components and fighter aircraft.’ providing JTACs advantages on the battlefield that they didn’t previously have.
members from the U.S. Navy, Army,
Marines and Air Force took part in the “The ability to have a portable radio
operational assessment of the Hand that can transmit messages onto the
Held Link 16 radio produced by ViaSat, Link 16 network is crucial for the future
March 21-25, 2016, on the Nevada Test of conducting close air support in the
and Training Range. 21st century. We have always wanted a
standardized, secure method to imple-
The HHL16 provides a tactical data ment digitally aided CAS and this tool
link to joint terminal attack controllers will give us that capability.”
and pilots, and enables digitally aided
close air support integration. The operational assessment of the
HHL16 and the data collected during the
“The HHL16 radio will give JTACs the assessment will help with the development
ability to transmit friendly positions and and timely integration of the device.
send messages directly to fighter aircraft
via an extremely secure and encrypted “It is crucial that we integrate as early
pathway,” said Capt. Richard Waters, as possible with the organizations and
605th Test and Evaluation Squadron, companies that manufacture the battle-
Hurlburt Field, Florida, tactical air con- field systems we utilize in the military,”
trol party air liaison officer, JTAC. “This said Waters. “Early involvement provides
capability significantly reduces fratricide the developers the insight they need to
and provides all players in the close air make the systems more practical for the
support arena the ability to positively warfighter.”
identify friendly from foe.”
Staff Sgt. Edward Wambolt, 422nd
This operational assessment is the first Test and Evaluation Squadron lead joint
of many that the new HHL16 radio will terminal attack controller instructor stat-
undergo during its improvement periods.
__________ See HHL16, on page 3
“The HHL16 radio is in the early stages

AF Hangar acceptance testing checklist paves way for new standards

By Susan Lawson The addition to the 99th Air Base Force Civil Engineer Center at Tyndall depending on the fire protection engi-
AFCEC Public Affairs Wing fuel cell maintenance hangar was AFB, Florida, has been developing neer overseeing the test. There was no
the first Air Force hangar fire suppres- standardized checklist to be followed uniformity even within agencies.
TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. — sion system to be tested with new Uni- for all future acceptance tests around
Fire protection engineers convened fied Facilities Criteria, which requires the world. “In order to provide a more reliable
recently for the final acceptance test of fire suppression system activation by fire suppression system and reduce or
an aircraft hangar foam fire suppres- triple infrared detection technology. The standardized project acceptance eliminate false activations, we need both
sion system at Nellis Air Force Base, checklist effort began after it was dis- oversight and consistency,” Biddle said.
Nevada. Judy Biddle, hangar fire suppression covered that the hangar fire suppres-
subject matter specialist at the Air sion acceptance testing process differed ______ See CHECKLIST, on page 3

Scan with Find us online at WANTED: Motivated volunteer to lead the Nellis Retiree Affairs
your
smartphone Nellis AFB & Office. Would you be interested in a dynamic position that helps Las
Nellis Bullseye Vegas area Retirees? Do you enjoy teamwork and making a differ-
To connect ence? Please contact the 99th ABW Commander Action Group at
to our website 702-652-9900 or email 99ABW.CAG@us.af.mil by April 15.

9RO1R Serving Southern Arizona’s military community, including Davis-Monthan Air Force Base April 1, 2016

$1$(527(&+1(:6$1'5(9,(:38%/,&$7,21‡:::$(527(&+1(:6&20

Thunder and Lightning Over Arizona draws thousands

(U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Chris Massey) www.davismonthanafbnews.com

Two A-10C Thunderbolt IIs fly in tandem during a demonstration at the Thunder and Lightning over Arizona Open House at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz., March 12, 2016. The Desert Lightning
Team demonstration included A-10 Thunderbolt IIs, HH-60G Pave Hawks and an HC-130J Combat King.

Train the world’s greatest F-35 and F-16 fighter pilots April 8, 2016 THUNDERBOLT
Vol. 16, No. 14
INSIDE 3XEOLVKHGWKHȴUVW)ULGD\RIHDFKPRQWK7KXQGHUEROWLVGLVWULEXWHGWRPLOLWDU\
DQGFRQWUDFWRUSHUVRQQHORQ/XNH$)%LQFOXGLQJDOORɝFHVDQGKLJKWUDɝF
STORIES ORFDWLRQVRQEDVHDVZHOODVORFDWLRQVWKURXJKRXWWKH3KRHQL[:HVW9DOOH\
„Cadets soar in AZ, 3
„From dice to advice, 4 To access the digital edition of Thunderbolt scan the QR code to
„Tuskegee Airmen, 6 the left.
„Warn kids about drugs, 7
„5k color run, 13 www.lukeafbnews.com

INDEX

Action line ............................. 2
Briefs..................................... 3
Spotlight ................................ 4
Diversions ........................... 16
Sports.................................. 19

QUOTE OF THE WEEK Airman 1st Class Shan Ridge
The Red Bull Demonstration Team performs during the Luke Air Force Base 75 Years of Airpower air show.
“Be dependable, competent, ef-
ficient and aggressive. Understand Luke Celebrates 75 Years of Airpower
how and where you fit into the
wing’s mission and why your job is
important. Finally, be the Airman
who finds a way to ‘yes.’”

Col. Robert Novotny
48th Fighter Wing commander

Story by aerial demonstration team and F-16 pilots in the Air Force. munities and allowed Airmen
56th Fighter Wing the first-ever performance and “This was my first air show,” the opportunity to interact with
PUBLIC AFFAIRS appearance by the F-35 Heri- and thank those community
tage Team, which featured the said Jowellyn Thomas, Good- members for their unwavering
LUKE AIR FORCE BASE, F-35 Lightning II flying along- year resident who attended the support.
Arizona -- Luke opened its side the original Lightning, the air show. “It was breathtaking
doors to a record 425,000 people P-38. and I’m really looking forward “The partnerships we have
during its “75 Years of Air- to the next one!” and the friendships we share
power” air show April 2 and 3. When they weren’t flying, the are absolutely vital to what we
The show provided a glimpse F-35 Heritage Team members Putting together an air show do at Luke AFB” said Brig. Gen.
into the history of the Air Force were busy handing out and with more than 40 static dis- Scott Pleus 56th Fighter Wing
with jets such as the World War signing photos for thousands of plays and 11 aerial acts takes commander. “All year long we
II A-26 Invader and a glimpse visitors to the base. a team effort. get unending support from our
into the Air Force’s future with elected leaders, businesses and
Luke’s own F-35 Lightning II. Another highlight of the “From successfully screening those who live throughout the
show was the close air sup- our guests to supporting the Valley — and once every two
“Simply stated, the air show port demonstration, during best air acts from around the years we get the opportunity to
was a tremendous success,” said which the F-16 Fighting Falcons world, my hat goes off to each give something back in the form
Lt. Col. Christopher Bacon, air showed off their combat capabil- and every member of my air of an air show. It is our way of
show director. ities. This “live” demonstration show team and the countless saying ‘thanks’ for allowing us
featured pyrotechnic explosions volunteers who made it hap- to be a part of this great com-
The show was headlined by to simulate bombs was a crowd pen,” Bacon said. munity.”
the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds favorite and highlighted the fact
Luke AFB trains 97 percent of The turnout highlighted the
tremendous support for Luke
AFB from the surrounding com-

Go to luke.af.mil for Luke Facebook link Use your smartphone to
connect to our website!

To advertise call 877-247-9288