The 412th Test Wing from Edwards AFB, Calif., has deployed a large detachment to JB Lewis-McChord, Wash., to support the first stage of KC-46 Pegasus developmental testing. “We basically set up a composite wing and a focal point to coordinate all the operations in support of the KC-46” over the next 15 months, 412th TW project manager Tim O’Hearn said in a release. “We have six different airframes,” including F-16s, F-15Es, A-10s, KC-135s, KC-10s, and C-17s that will act as receiver, chase, and test support aircraft, he added. Two F-16s and nine maintainers are already at McChord and ?supported the KC-46’s first flight late last month, and approximately 120 personnel from Edwards and elsewhere will rotate through, directly supporting KC-46 testing. “It’s a pretty big footprint,” said O’Hearn. Aircraft at McChord are supporting the 418th Test Squadron, Det. 1 in Seattle, tasked with KC-46 testing. The detachment will remain at McChord until the first two KC-46s move to Edwards for continued trials toward the end of 2016.
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.