Giving a guided tour of the mock-up search and rescue helicopter, two former USAF pararescumen today showed reporters the ins and outs of the helicopter. One demonstrated how a CSAR crew could perform live gunnery operations right next to the side door where the hoist and rescue ladder are stationed. The crew can also hoist in a litter while extricating personnel via the door’s ladder. The rear bay door allows near-360-degree firing for any older weapons (from .50 caliber weapons to M60s) and permits access to vehicles, such as ATVs or small boats. Inside, the cabin can be quickly configured to carry up to nine litters. The crew can monitor information via on-board network displays, tapping in to personnel medical records, topographical maps, or UAV and FLIR data, according to Lockheed Martin’s Fred Keller.
The Air Force Research Laboratory installed its newest commander, Brig. Gen. Douglas Wickert, in a June 3 ceremony at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio. Wickert most recently served as director of air, space, and cyber operations at Air Force Materiel Command, and before that, he led the 412th Test Wing at…