Airmen who fly the behemoth C-5 airlifter from Dover AFB, Del., will not need to go elsewhere to get their training for the upgraded C-5, the C-5M, now that the base has two simulators. According to an Oct. 16 release, Dover received a second simulator on Oct. 10, a year ahead of schedule. Both it and the older simulator still must undergo upgrade to C-5M status, but one at a time. According to Lt. Col. Mike Semo, 709th Airlift Squadron C-5M project integration officer, Dover has one of the highest simulator utilization rates in Air Mobility Command, making the second system essential for the conversion to the M model aircraft. The Delaware base is slated to receive its first C-5M in February. (Dover report by SSgt. Chad Padgett)
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.