KC-135 simulator cleared for networking
CAE USA's KC-135 Stratotanker aircrew training system has received authorisation to operate on the US Air Force's Distributed Training Center Network.
The authorisation clears the way for the simulators to be connected to other US Air Force mobility platforms for live, virtual-constructive training between different bases.
The change makes it possible for the flight simulators to be connected to, and work in unison with, the boom operator simulator as well as other aircraft simulators from bases around the world. This includes linking boom operator and pilot simulators to enhance mid-air refuelling training.
The first base to receive networked capabilities is Scott Air Force Base, Illinois, followed by Fairchild AFB; March Air Reserve Base, California; Grissom ARB, Indiana; and MacDill AFB, Florida.
The goal of making the changes to the simulators is to be able to use the simulators for all training and only fly the KC-135 Stratotanker when it's absolutely necessary.
Maj Brian Sikkema, the 92nd Operations Support Squadron chief of aircrew training, said: 'This new capability allows us to push toward being able to conduct virtual flag exercises.
'It allows us to train exactly how we would fight and take out a lot of the restrictions. It's the same with threat reactions, in the current training environment, they simulate threats by saying, 'you got taken out,' where as in the virtual world, you can put those threats out there and see if you are getting shot at in the visuals. This is eventually what everything is moving toward.'
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Training
-
![Cubic tailors mortar simulator for the US Army]()
Cubic tailors mortar simulator for the US Army
The company’s mortar trainer received improvements based on soldier’s feedback.
-
![Saab expands footprint in the US]()
Saab expands footprint in the US
The company will operate in two new locations in the coming years to better support US services.
-
![How terrain management capabilities can improve military training]()
How terrain management capabilities can improve military training
This type of tool provides more realistic training easing the incorporation of new scenarios that accurately represent the threats of the battlefield.
-
![I/ITSEC 2024: Australian Army approaches second phase of countermining training]()
I/ITSEC 2024: Australian Army approaches second phase of countermining training
The Engineering Corps has been conducting individual instruction using FLAIM Systems’ Sweeper and should start collective deployments in 2025.
-
![I/ITSEC 2024: Zeiss introduces Velvet 4K SIM projector for night flight simulation]()
I/ITSEC 2024: Zeiss introduces Velvet 4K SIM projector for night flight simulation
The next-generation platform is motion-compatible and can be used in OTW and NVG applications.
-
![I/ITSEC 2024: Saab introduces UAV live training capability]()
I/ITSEC 2024: Saab introduces UAV live training capability
The system can be used to prepare soldiers for both drone offensive operations and CUAS missions.
