That C-17 from McChord AFB, Wash., that flew cross-country on a synthetic and aviation fuel blend flew with a blended crew. The Air Mobility Command 62nd Airlift Wing and the Air Force Reserve Command 446th AW, both at McChord, supplied aircrew members for the historic flight. The flight included eight Reservists, including a pilot, loadmaster, and aeromedical evacuation nurses and technicians.
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.