When you consider that the pilots that will fly the F-35 operationally “are 10 years old today,” said JoAnne Puglisi, team leader for JSF training systems, the project is extremely challenging. The increasingly fast pace of technology change, coupled with the expanding airpower training environment, means that a pilot-vehicle interface training system must allow seamless management and delivery capability through new techniques and media. From concept to support, the program depends on a baseline of components that can be customized to various needs, Martin said, including USAF’s distributed mission operations. —Marc Schanz
The Air Force has embraced new technical approaches like open mission systems and rapid software updates for cutting-edge aircraft like the B-21 and Collaborative Combat Aircraft. Increasingly, though, the service is also working to apply these to its older, “legacy” aircraft, officials said this week.