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)
The Air Force has embraced new technical approaches like open mission systems and rapid software updates for cutting-edge aircraft like the B-21 and Collaborative Combat Aircraft. Increasingly, though, the service is also working to apply these to its older, “legacy” aircraft, officials said this week.