A C-17 airlifting patients from Iraq to Germany on Christmas Day faced poor visibility as it approached Ramstein AB, Germany, but the air traffic controllers at Ramstein had, just three days previously, activated a new Category II instrument landing system. The C-17 aeromedevac flight became the first aircraft to use the new ILS capability, successfully landing within the CAT II minimum of a 100-foot ceiling and 370 meters visibility. Since taking over primary airlift hub duties from the former Rhein-Main Air Base, Ramstein also has added DOD’s first CAT III ILS approach system, making it possible for aircraft with CAT III technology, like the C-17, to land when the ceiling is down to ground level and 200 meters visibility.
As Air Force leaders consider concepts of operations for Collaborative Combat Aircraft, sustainment in the field—and easing that support by using standard parts and limiting variants—should be a key consideration, according to a new study from AFA's Mitchell Institute of Aerospace Studies.