The aircrew of a C-17 transport assigned to the 3rd Wing at Elmendorf AFB, Alaska, on March 19 completed the first improved container delivery system, or ICDS, airdrop using new three-dimensional weather technology that improves delivery accuracy. “We’ve done ICDS drops in the last year but not as accurate as [this] drop,” said Maj. William Friar, instructor aircraft commander with Elmendorf’s 353rd Combat Training Squadron. The airdrop occurred over the remote location of Tin City, Alaska. Such a scenario is useful for training to resupply combat troops in hard-to-access locations in Afghanistan, said wing officials. The C-17 crew was to deliver their load of containers within 135 yards of the target after being dropped from an altitude of 5,100 feet. Earlier this month, the Air Force went operational with a new low-altitude airdrop method for C-130 transports. (Elmendorf report by A1C Christopher Gross)
Competitors Not Picked for CCA Look Forward to Increment 2
April 25, 2024
While none of the major aircraft contractors were selected to develop the Collaborative Combat Aircraft, all three say they are seeking further autonomous aircraft work for the Navy, foreign partners, or in the classified arena, and maybe future versions of the CCA itself.