The 386th Air Expeditionary Wing will become the test wing for new fuels mobility support equipment during its stint in Southwest Asia. USAF plans to install the equipment by Jan. 3, followed by an operational utility evaluation. The new system will require fewer personnel to operate it and fewer storage bladders and mobile refueling trucks. It shortens the fueling process by pumping fuel directly from storage bladders into servicing platforms. Officials expect a big improvement over the 1960s-vintage equipment currently in use.
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.