Airmen at Dover AFB, Del., are improving the reliability and life expectancy of the C-5M transport via a project inspired by the Air Force Smart Operations for the 21st Century initiative, according to a base release. Members of Air Force Reserve Command’s 512th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron noted that one of the leading causes of downtime for the C-5M were issues with the aircraft’s fire-suppression system, states the March 27 release. Over the course of several years, they worked with a product-improvement working group at Warner Robins AFB, Ga., and came up with re-designed valves, a universal wiring harness, an upgraded FSS control panel, and better seals and plumbing. The first C-5M with the upgraded hardware is now at Dover in the isochronal maintenance dock, and plans are to retrofit the entire C-5M fleet, states the release. AFSO21 is designed to maximize value and minimize waste through process improvements. (Dover report by A1C Ashlin Federick)
The ongoing government shutdown has not slowed progress on the Joint Advanced Tactical Missile, a congressional official said, correcting a previous statement from lawmakers about the secretive program.
