Delaware Air National Guard C-130s and airmen this week wrapped up an almost month-long training deployment to Poland. The airmen and aircraft with the 166th Airlift Wing participated in bilateral training with the Polish Air Force during Aviation Detachment 17-2 at Powidz AB, Poland. The deployment, which lasted from March 1-27, included formation flights, fighter engagements, and aeromedical evacuation procedures, according to an Air Force release. The deployment included two C-130s and about 80 airmen. The C-130s concluded the engagement with a four-ship formation along with Polish aircraft and were judged on airdrops and tactical landings, with the Polish aircraft winning the competition.
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.