Maj. Jack Nelson, a U-2 pilot assigned to the 9th Reconnaissance Wing at Osan AB, South Korea, was flying at high altitude when his autopilot, navigation, primary heading, and reference system display malfunctioned. Then, not long after he reset the multi-function displays, the plane’s environmental control system stopped working and the temperature in the aircraft plunged below zero. Still, Nelson persevered and safely landed the aircraft. For his skill and ingenuity, he was awarded the 2015 Koren Kolligian Jr. Trophy. “Flying planes is a risky business, but it’s really great to know you have one of the best teams in the world that’s got your back when you are out there flying and something does go wrong,” said Nelson during a May 25 Pentagon ceremony. Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Mark Welsh said the award, named after a pilot who was declared missing after his T-33 Shooting Star disappeared in 1955, is “about taking a situation that’s not supposed to occur, and turning it into normal, or at least as normal as you can get.”
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.