The 563rd Flying Training Squadron at Randolph AFB, Tex., unveiled its thoroughly upgraded T-25 simulator for electronic warfare training on Aug. 1, and as of yesterday, a new batch of combat system officer students is already using the new touch screens, visual displays, and various aircraft panels of the simulator, as well as its new training scenarios. “It’s a quantum leap in capabilities than what we had previously,” said Lt. Col. Chris Wellborn, the squadron’s commander. “This T-25 simulates the entire electro-magnetic combat spectrum, from surveillance to electronic attack to everything in between.” (Randolph report by Maj. Beth Kelley Horine)
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.