Col. Scott Cain Takes Command of AEDC by Raquel March AEDC Public Affairs

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PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID TULLAHOMA TN Vol. 64, No. 14 Arnold AFB, Tenn. PERMIT NO. 29 July 17, 2017 Col. Scott Cain takes command of AEDC By Raquel March AEDC Public Affairs

Col. Scott A. Cain assumed command of the Arnold Engineering Development Complex as the 30th commander during a change of command ceremony July 14. The ceremony was attended by the commander’s guests, local dignitaries and AEDC personnel inside the AEDC Large Rocket Motor Test Facility, J-6, located at Arnold Air Force Base, Tennessee. Cain comes to AEDC from Edwards Air Force Base, California, where he was the 412th Operations Group commander. As the AEDC commander, Cain leads an advanced complex of flight simulation test facilities. AEDC is one of three installations which are part of the Air Force Test Center (AFTC) enterprise, one of six subordinate commands of the Air Force Materiel Command organization and an important national resource. The Complex is comprised of more than 55 aerospace test facilities which is headquartered at Arnold Air Force Base with operating locations at the Federal Research Center at White Oak near Silver Spring, Maryland; at Ames Research Center, in Mountain View and Edwards AFB, California; Eglin AFB, Florida; Holloman AFB and Kirtland AFB, New Mexico; and at Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio. The test facilities simulate flight from subsonic to hypersonic speeds at altitudes from sea level to space. All NASA manned spacecraft, every high performance aircraft and missile, as well as most space launch systems and many military satellites Air Force Test Center Commander Maj. Gen. David A. Harris, left, presents the Arnold Engineering Develop- in use by the Department of Defense today, have ment Complex flag to the newly-designated commander, Col. Scott A. Cain, during a change of command ceremony July 14 inside the AEDC Large Rocket Motor Test Facility, J-6, located at Arnold Air Force Base, been tested in the facilities at the Complex. Tennessee. (U.S. Air Force photo/Rick Goodfriend) Cain is the successor to Col. Rodney Todaro who is retiring from the Air Force. See additional photos on page 3. Innovations enabling AEDC spirit to soar By Deidre Ortiz tary power through air, space Test Force needed to keep heat- future launch operations. “As a result, the barrels will be AEDC Public Affairs and cyberspace. Today, complex treated materials on hand to sup- “The existing hone for the honed much quicker, now that security and fiscal challenges port impact testing in the CTF’s 0.75-inch bore barrel was only in-barrel adjustments can be AEDC engineers and re- demand that the Air Force de- hypervelocity ranges. He enlist- adjustable at the hone head, made.” searchers are a restless bunch. velop innovative Airmen who ed the help of the AEDC Model making adjustments only pos- Dr. Woodrow Whitlow, an They’re constantly improvising find better and smarter ways to and Machine Shop to heat treat sible when the hone was out of AEDC technical director, has and coming up with new and in- fly, fight and win. these materials so they would the bore,” Campbell said. “This noted that innovations such as novative ways to be more effec- To maintain this forward- be ready-to-use when needed. resulted in some trial-and-error these are enabling the work- tive and efficient while reduc- thinking focus, the AEDC Tech- Doing this reduced system- in determining the correct stone force to accomplish the mission ing risk and avoiding significant nology Innovations Branch under-test fabrication time one diameter to achieve proper hon- more effectively and efficiently. costs. is emphasizing new technical to two days, which in turn re- ing action at a given point in the “Innovations in our daily Innovation is a key focus competencies to support its in- duced the test facility down barrel.” work are occurring in all areas in the U.S. Air Force Vision. novative workforce. time in supporting critical proj- To alleviate this productiv- across AEDC, such as Human This vision recognizes the fact There have been many in- ects. ity setback, an existing custom- Resources, Security Procure- that President Harry S. Truman novative approaches in engi- In addition to this, Roebuck manufactured remote adjusting ment, and others,” he said. “All played an important role in the neering, manufacturing, test worked with Larry Campbell, long hone rod for the smaller of our employees are using their current mission by establish- support, logistics and informa- another member in the AEDC 0.50-inch bore barrel was ingenuity and creativity to make ing an independent Air Force in tion technologies which have Space and Missiles CTF, on adapted to fit the 0.75-inch hone this a better place to work.” 1947 to better protect America, noticeably improved our effec- long hone modifications for the head. If you have an idea on how its citizens, and its allies. From tiveness and efficiency. Range S-1 barrel as a way to “We designed and built an to make testing or any other those humble beginnings, the Brian Roebuck, an AEDC repair expected damage from adapter for the 0.50-inch long area more efficient, contact the Air Force has innovated itself test operations engineer in the operations and reduce the like- hone rod assembly to accept the Technology Innovations Branch into a global projection of mili- Space and Missiles Combined lihood of new damage during 0.75-inch head,” Campbell said. at (931) 454-4951. AEDC Fellow Marvin McKee leaves behind computing legacy

By Raquel March el positioning systems and display workstations and in this area of science at team of AEDC, Rockwell AEDC Public Affairs advanced computer-based system for the Propulsion the time. Field emission International and McDon- testing techniques. Wind Tunnel and the von operation was proven and nell Douglass engineers in With the death of While at AEDC, he Kármán Gas Dynamics all magneto hydrodynam- the design and implemen- AEDC Fellow Marvin was responsible for op- Facility. ics accelerators and gen- tation of peak inlet distor- McKee July 4, his com- erations, contract negotia- McKee's contributions erators are now designed tion. These methods and puting contributions will tions and compliance, and and outstanding accom- using this phenomenon. systems developed for the be remembered in the his- resource management. He plishments to aerospace His work on dynamic F-15 are today's standards. tory of AEDC. led policy formulation and ground testing spanned stability testing instru- McKee was an active McKee was the former oversight of safety, envi- five decades, beginning mentation, also in the member of many profes- deputy general manager ronmental, quality and se- with his work with mag- 1960s, led to his research, sional organizations, in- with Micro Craft Tech- curity programs through- neto hydrodynamics ac- development and applica- cluding the International nology AEDC Opera- out Micro Craft Technol- celerator research in the tions that formed the basis Test and Evaluation As- AEDC Fellow tions from 1994 to 1996. ogy AEDC Operations early 1960s. During this for subsequent dynamic sociation, the American Marvin McKee He was recognized as an and he developed budgets time, he developed a theo- stability testing at AEDC. Institute of Aeronautics AEDC, he authored and AEDC Fellow in 2002 for for major organizational retical model for electrical In the 1970s, McKee and Astronautics and the co-authored numerous his pioneering work with units. discharge through high was a major contributor National Management reports and papers in the the use of micro-comput- McKee was the prin- temperature, supersonic to pioneering the super- Association. He was also field of aeronautical -test ers and instrumentation cipal architect of the plasma produced by field sonic inlet distortion in- an Instrument Society of ing and related systems. systems for inlet-engine system of facility com- emissions from cold cop- strumentation equipment America Fellow. McKee was a resident compatibility testing, puters, communications per electrodes. This went currently used at AEDC. During his 20 years as of Tullahoma and died at computer-controlled mod- networks, analysis and against accepted theories During this time, he led a an engineering manager at the age of 81.

AEDC test team receives AF Club Member Portal transition starts AFMC T&E award Aug. 1 with $10,000 grand prize incentive …Page 3 …Page 10 2 • July 17, 2017

Arnold Air Force From concept to combat Base By Christopher J. Warner AEDC Public Affairs

U.S. service members cross paths in several ways throughout their career, whether it be a deployment, Department of Defense (DOD) School, Col. Scott Cain or a joint-service assign- Commander ment, exposure is pretty Jason Austin regular. This had been Christopher J. Warner Chief, my experience during my and it was then that I had Public Affairs career as a U.S. Army in- an ‘ah-ha’ moment. I re- fantryman; I worked with alized that I have flown Marines, Airmen and on, worked around and sailors but I never gave been directly supported Cynthia Rivera much thought to equip- by several of the plat- General Manager, ment that I was exposed forms that were tested or National Aerospace to during real world de- developed by AEDC. Solutions ployments or in support I believe it is impor- High Mach Staff: of daily operations. tant for service members, Kathy Gattis, After my uniformed the American public and NAS Executive Editor career, I transitioned into the companies that sup- The A-10 fighter’s power plant, the TF34-GE-100, underwent a six-month AMT to Raquel March, a DOD civilian public af- port the U.S. military to evaluate and validate new components prior to production approval for the fleet NAS Editor fairs career. As I began to understand how they as upgrade. (U.S. Air Force photo/Rick Goodfriend) High Mach is published by learn my craft and tell the a whole support and con- in 2006. I find it fascinat- gram which supported is like an angel descend- Lakeway Publishers, Inc. a pri- Army’s story, I began to tribute to combat opera- ing that the C-141 pro- my unit and many others ing from the heavens. I vate firm in no way connected reflect upon my service with the U.S. Air Force, Arnold tions, our military’s stra- gram was tested and de- in theater was the RQ-4 and my infantry breth- Air Force Base, Arnold Engi- with much fondness and tegic missions and goals. veloped here in 1978 and Global Hawk Unmanned ren always knew things neering Development Complex introspect which allowed Working for AEDC gives in 2001, I was jumping Aerial System (UAS), would be okay when the (AEDC) or National Aerospace me to gain a much needed me a unique perspective out of it. tested and developed A-10 was supporting us Solutions (NAS), under exclu- perspective of the larger sive written contract with NAS in understanding how During my deploy- here in 1995. Whenever from above. at Arnold AFB, Tenn., 37389. picture. much hard work and de- ment to Operation Iraqi my unit needed recon- I find myself some- Everything advertised in With this new found velopment truly went into Freedom, 07-08, I flew in naissance on an area-of- what humbled work- this publication will be made perspective I was able working on a program to and out of Baghdad Inter- interest for an upcoming ing for the organization available for purchase, use to see the connection be- or patronage without regard take it from a concept and national Airport (BIAP) ground combat operation, where these programs to race, color, religion, sex, tween all of the services build it into a platform on the C-17 Globemaster, my leadership could view were tested and devel- national origin, age, marital sta- and how each military oc- that is able to perform in tested and developed here video footage of an ob- oped from concept then tus, physical handicap, political cupational specialty is in- combat, save lives and in 1983. I am always im- jective for planning pur- put into a platform ca- affiliation or any other non- tertwined with each other merit factor of the purchaser, meet the high demands of pressed when I set foot in poses and develop a real- pable of giving the U.S. user or patron. and cannot operate alone. daily military operations. a C-17 with its size and time understanding of a military the dominate The High Mach office is Going back to my As a former soldier, I lift capability. Whether situation on the ground. strategic advantage and located at 100 Kindel Drive, desire to see the big pic- have an appreciation of its troops, equipment or It was always a relief global strike capability. Suite A236, Arnold AFB, Tenn. ture I decided I needed to the huge part the U.S. vehicle platforms the knowing that an UAS Without the hard work, 37389-1236. Editorial content broaden myself profes- is edited and prepared by NAS. Air Force played in trans- C-17 can get it into a bat- was available to support dedication and expertise Deadline for copy is Wednes- sionally, and what better porting equipment, mov- tle space with ease. ground operations for of the past and present day at close of business one way to do that than work ing troops into combat In one specific in- mission success. AEDC staff these aircraft week before publication. for another branch of the battle spaces and support stance I was flying out My all-time favorite may not have been avail- This commercial enterprise military? As of June 25, newspaper is an allowable ground combat with close of BIAP on a C-130 and aircraft and AEDC test able to support my units NAS contractor publication 2017, which happened to air support and recon- we received enemy air- and development pro- and me during my career. th for personnel at Arnold AFB. be AEDC’s 66 anniver- naissance. to-ground fire. I was- ab gram is the A-10 Thun- For that I am truly thank- The content of High Mach sary, I started my current Early in my career, I solutely astonished at the derbolt “Warthog”. This ful! does not necessarily reflect the assignment as the Opera- views of the Air Force, Arnold attended the U.S. Army pilot’s ability to evasively air platform has a special I am excited about my tions Chief at the Arnold AFB, AEDC or NAS. The ap- Airborne School at Fort maneuver the C-130 and place in infantrymen’s future with AEDC and pearance of advertising in this Engineering Develop- Benning, Ga, where I just how fast and power- and soldier’s hearts. I welcome the opportu- publication does not constitute ment Complex (AEDC) jumped out of the C-130 ful that aircraft is when When you’re in the mid- nity to tell the Air Force, endorsement of the products Public Affairs office at Hercules and C-141 Star- under fire. To this day dle of a firefight and you AEDC and individual or services advertised by the Arnold Air Force Base, Department of Defense, the lifter. Both of these air- I still get goosebumps hear or see the A-10 come team member’s stories. Department of the Air Force, Tenn. As part of joining craft were the work hors- when I think back on that onto station and you hear If you have a story or Arnold AFB, AEDC, NAS or the AEDC team, I began es of the airborne com- day. its signature ‘Brrrrtttttt’ team member you’d like Lakeway Publishers, Inc. to read about the AEDC munity until the C-141 Another AEDC test sound from the GAU-8 to highlight, please con- For general information and Arnold AFB history was retired from service and development pro- Avenger 30 mm cannon it tact us at (931) 454-3889. about High Mach, call (931) 454-5655 or visit www. arnold.af.mil. Use High Mach to market your products and servic- Understanding private employer benefits es. Contact Renee at 931- 455-4545 or tnadvmgr@ lcs.net. By Patrick Long sure that individuals know who to Arnold AFB Military Personnel contact when they need assistance. "As part of their [EBSA] Con- Charlene Clark, Senior Bene- sumer Outreach Education and fits Advisor with Title 1 of the U.S. Assistance Program, we make Department of Labor, Employee our services known to the general Benefits Security Administration public through briefings and pre- (EBSA), will present a briefing re- sentations,” Clark said. “During garding private employer benefits our briefings and presentations, Core Values Aug. 10, 10 a.m. at the Adminis- we explain the provisions and the tration and Engineering building, above listed laws; answer com- • Integrity first rm. A127. mon pension plan and health issue • Service before self She will talk about the Em- questions; and explain how we • Excellence in all ployee Retirement Income Secu- can assist with employee benefit plans." The information in this brief- we do rity Act of 1974, Health Insurance problems. In addition, we provide The presentations generally ing will be useful to transitioning Portability and Accountability Act EBSA pamphlets and conduct last 30-45 minutes and are free of military and their family members and the Pension Protection Act. a question and answer period. charge. who work in the private sector, Part of the EBSA mission is to This information is very help- To reserve your seat and for those who participate in govern- educate individuals on their Em- ful to those who currently hold more information, call (931) 454- ment-sector benefit plans or may Vision ployee Retirement Income Secu- jobs, those who are seeking jobs, 4574. “NAS will be integral to the work for the private sector in the success of AEDC, the U. S. Air rity Act of 1974, rights regarding employers, and others who are More information about EBSA future. Force’s premier aerospace testing facilities, while applying the highest employer-sponsored group health involved with the administration can be found at https://www.dol. This presentation is open to all standards of ethics, innovation, plans and pension plans and to en- of employer sponsored benefit gov/agencies/ebsa. AEDC personnel. safety, security, and quality to daily operations.” Values • Ethics. We are uncompromising in our Action Line integrity, honesty, and fairness. Smoking Policy • Safety & Health. We are relentless in keeping people safe from harm, and 1. The following revised Arnold AFB smoking policy is effective immediately and applies to all individuals on Team AEDC we provide a safe and healthy work Arnold AFB. I believe in free and open communications environment. 2. Traditional Tobacco products (e.g. cigars and cigarettes): with our Team AEDC employees, and that’s • Security. We are disciplined and vigilant a. Smoking is permitted solely in Designated Tobacco Areas (DTAs) identified by designated signage. If no in protecting sensitive AEDC information why we have the Action Line available. and ensuring system integrity to support signage exists, smoking is not permitted in that area. It is the responsibility of all smokers to keep DTAs People can use the Action Line to clear national security and our customers. clean of cigarette butts. • Excellence. We thrive on challenge, b. Tobacco use on the Arnold AFB Golf Course is permitted, but discouraged based on the health hazards up rumors, ask questions, suggest ideas accomplishment, and mission success. of tobacco use and secondhand smoke. No smoking is permitted within 50 feet of golf course buildings on improvements, enter complaints or • Quality. We are passionate about doing our work right the first time. except in the approved DTA. get other issues off their chests. They • People. We have a mission-focused, c. Smoking in government-owned/leased vehicles is strictly prohibited. Personnel are allowed to smoke in their can access the Action Line via the AEDC inclusive workforce who have a diverse personal vehicles at any time; however, at no time will personnel discard cigarette butts outside their vehicle. intranet home page and by calling 454-6000. skill set, are committed to success, d. For government employees, the fact that a person smokes has no bearing on the number of breaks they demonstrate innovation and have a can Although the Action Line is always do attitude. may take. Breaks should be taken in accordance with the current supervisory and personnel policies that available, the best and fastest way to get • Culture. Our team is proud of our diver- afford all employees the same break opportunities consistent with good work practices and accomplish- things resolved is by using your chain of sity, inclusiveness, and collaborative work ment of the mission. environment. We are proud of what we do 3. Smokeless Tobacco products (e.g. snuff and dip): command or by contacting the organization and how we do it. directly involved. I encourage everyone to • Relationships. We build positive, long- Smokeless tobacco products are not to be restricted to DTAs. Smokeless tobacco use will be permitted in all term business relationships through trust, workplace areas (inside and out) subject to reasonable safety and sanitary conditions. Specifically, containers go that route first, then if the situation isn’t respect, and collaboration. of tobacco waste product, including sealed containers, must not be left unattended or disposed of in trash made right, give us a chance. • Innovation. We overcome challenges receptacles. Users of smokeless tobacco must flush tobacco waste down the toilet. through creativity, perseverance, technol- 4. Electronic Cigarettes (also known as “e-cigs”): ogy, and flexibility. We actively seek to Col. Rodney Todaro continually improve. Pursuant to Air Force Instruction (AFI) 40-102, Tobacco Free Living, e-cigs are considered to be equivalent to AEDC Commander • Sustainability. We plan and act for the tobacco products; however, e-cigs are not restricted to DTAs and are allowed to be used outdoors at a minimum long term benefit of our communities and distance of 25 feet from building entry/egress points. (This policy is dated July 27, 2016) our environment. July 17, 2017 • 3

AEDC Change of Command (U.S. Air Force photos/Rick Goodfriend)

AEDC test team receives AFMC T&E award By Raquel March The team, who develops avionics AEDC Public Affairs for the nation’s warfighters using a C- 12J Huron aircraft, was awarded for Brig. Gen. Christopher Azzano, their exceptional work toward increas- director of the Air, Space and Cy- ing agility and efficiency for several berspace Operations at the Air Force acquisition programs. Materiel Command headquarters, an- Team members are: Matthew Alsle- nounced June 21 that the C-12J Fly- ben, Brian Bowar, Dr. James Brewer, ing Test Bed Team received the 2016 Phillip Cooksey, Jason Fumerola, Sean AFMC Test and Evaluation Award, Herrera, Tech. Sgt. Jason Hughes, Team Category. Kevin Joyce, Capt. James Kawecki, The C-12J Flying Test Bed Team is Maj. Ryan Lemaire, Capt. Matthew a part of the 586th Flight Test Squad- McCormack, Capt. Matthew McEl- The C-12J Flying Test Bed Team with the 586th Flight Test Squadron, Holloman Air ron at Holloman Air Force Base, New haney, Maj. Thomas Meagher, Capt. Force Base, New Mexico, an AEDC unit, recently received the 2016 Air Force Ma- Mexico, under the command of AEDC Anthony Mirabile, Tech. Sgt. Chaunc- teriel Command Test and Evaluation Award, Team Category. The Air Force C-12J, an organization under the Air Force ey Mitchell, Thomas Shoaf, 1st Lt. Jo- pictured here, is used by the test bed team to conduct avionics development test- Test Center enterprise. seph Strathman and Maj. John Tekell. ing. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Joshua Turner) Excavation and trenching safety vital to team members By AEDC Safety spiratory organs, hands, feet and other parts of the body as required. During July, the focus for the Safety Condition Cam- In many instances excavations are considered con- paign will be excavations and trenching and identifying fined spaces as stated in AEDC Safety, Health and Envi- conditions that make compliance with safety require- ronmental Standard B5 (SHE Std B5), Confined Spaces. ments a challenge, to ensure we are in compliance with If this is the case, all parts of both the excavation and the Air Force safety standards, and to establish consis- the confined space entry procedures must be followed. tency across work locations. Physical barricades must be placed around all exca- The principal hazard of excavation work is death by vations. Signs must be provided and posted in accor- suffocation or crushing when exposed soil falls and bur- dance with AEDC SHE Std B3, Control of Hazardous ies the workers. Workers are also subjected to hazards Areas Using Safety Signs, Tags and Barricades. of falling materials, tools, equipment, and to the haz- The possibility of flammable or toxic gases settling ards involved with digging into energized or pressurized in low places of excavations must be assessed before utilities such as electrical, water, steam, fuel and natural entering excavations or doing hot work. gas lines. An additional concern is the potential for an oxygen-deficient atmosphere. Muddy conditions, which are common to excava- Specific Requirements for Excavations tions, increase dangers of slips and falls. Hazards of At AEDC the walls and faces of all excavations 4 striking against or being struck by objects are increased feet or more in depth, unless in solid rock, shale, or by congestion of personnel, materials and equipment. tested to be Type “A” or “B”, shall be shored, sheeted, Additionally, vibrations from heavy equipment or near- braced, sloped, or Type “C” soil sloped to the maximum by vehicle traffic can cause soil to become unstable and angle of slope. collapse. The walls and faces of excavations less than 4 feet in depth shall be protected by an adequate protective system when there is a possibility of hazardous ground General Requirements movement. (AEDC file photo) Before any excavation is started, embedded service Excavations or trenches 20 feet deep or greater shall Spoil banks shall be sloped to reduce pressure on the lines shall be located and protected. A Master Work Per- have a protective system designed by a registered pro- sides of excavations and help prevent the spoilage from mit, GC-1732, with sections II and IV completed shall fessional engineer. sliding back into the excavation. be executed. Multiple underground utility scans may be Materials used for shoring, sheeting or bracing shall All surface objects that may present a hazard to em- required for different phases of the project and when ex- be in good, serviceable condition and must meet dimen- ployees by rolling or falling into an excavation shall be cavating through different types of material such as an sion requirements. removed or secured to prevent movement. While the ex- initial scan of concrete prior to demolition and a second Manufactured shoring and shield systems shall be cavation is open, underground installations shall be pro- survey of the soil beneath the concrete once the concrete used in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions tected, supported or removed to safeguard employees. is removed and prior to excavation. and modifications to those systems will not be accom- If the operator of mobile equipment adjacent to or Excavation will not be allowed to begin until all un- plished without the manufacturer’s written consent. near the edge of an excavation does not have a clear derground hazards have been located. If necessary the In excavations that employees may have to enter, ex- view of the edge of the excavation, a warning system personnel will locate the person who conducted the ac- cavated material (spoil) and equipment shall be stored at such as barricades, stop logs or hand signals shall be tual survey of buried underground lines to better deter- least 2 feet or more from the edge of the excavation, as used. If possible, the grade should be away from the ex- mine actual location and accuracy of available marking measured from the bottom edge of the spoil bank near- cavation. or prints. est to the excavation, or behind retaining devices suf- Upon completion of operations, temporary wells, All Employees shall be protected with personal pro- ficient to prevent material or equipment from falling or pits, and shafts shall be promptly and adequately back tective equipment for the protection of head, eyes, re- rolling into the excavation. filled. 4 • July 17, 2017 Test team looks at new parachute for ACES II ejection seat By Kenji Thuloweit 412th Test Wing Public Affairs

EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – Members of the 418th Flight Test Squadron are testing a new parachute canopy for the Advanced Con- cept Ejection Seat II. Testers are col- lecting data on the GR7000 parachute, which has been proposed to replace the current C-9 canopy used in the ACES II ejection seat. The testing is part of the Air Force’s ACES II Safety and Sustainability Improvement Pro- gram. The ACES II ejection seat system has been used for almost 40 years and brought standardization to Air Force ejection seats in the A-10, F-15, F-16, F-22, B-1 and B-2. The standardization reduced cost and training time as maintainers and pilots only have to train on one type of seat. “The overall test objective is to demonstrate the strength of the GR7000 parachute at worst-case ejection (situations), high-altitude mode 1 deployment and evaluate the steady- state descent characteristics of the GR7000 parachute,” said Alice White, 418th FLTS ACES II SSIP project manager. White said since the initial fielding of ACES II in 1978, the Air Force has made two significant changes affect- A dummy attached to a GR7000 parachute is recovered following a test drop at the Rowe drop zone south of Edwards ing ejection seat safety. The changes Air Force Base, Calif. Members of the 418th Flight Test Squadron are testing a new parachute canopy for the Advanced were unforeseen when ACES II was Concept Ejection Seat II. (U.S. Air Force photo/Ethan Wagner) initially developed. The first change the GR7000 parachute consisted of 10 the 418th FLTS ACES II SSIP project critical design review was held that was expanding the allowable aircrew dummy drops, 20 live-person jumps pilot, Maj. Duncan Reed, the Skyvan culminated in the final seat design and weight range – originally 140-to-211 and five drops using a crosswind de- is able to meet test requirements to a qualification effort ensued. pounds – to 103-to-245 pounds. ployment cylindrical test vehicle, climb and level off between 16,000 “Approximately 80 percent of the “Another significant change affect- which looks similar to an inert bomb. and 17,000 feet median sea level and qualification testing has been coming the safety of the ACES II was the “Key performance values for this trim to between 90 and 100 knots-in- pleted to date.” introduction of helmet-mounted de- test are airspeed, altitude, rate of dedicated airspeed, which is required for Van Oosterhout said this particular vices, particularly the nuclear flash scent and canopy structural integrity. the cylindrical test vehicle drops. testing of the GR7000 was for the B-2 blindness goggles used by B-2A Spirit Riser loads and acceleration data also The ACES II Safety and Sustain- version of the ACES II ejection seat, aircrew. The combination of larger al- will be collected and analyzed,” said ment Improvement Program has been but data could be applied for all ACES lowable aircrew anthropometric range, Dean Van Oosterhout, 418th FLTS on-going for many years, according II ejection seats currently using the and the added head-born weight of the ACES II SSIP project engineer. to White. She said in the past year, a C-9 canopy. helmet-mounted devices, increased For test purposes, the 418th FLTS the risk of having an unsafe ejection,” contracted a Skyvan from Skydive said Daniel Bush, 418th FLTS ACES Perris, out of Perris, California. Sky- II SSIP project flight test engineer. vans have been previously used for The GR7000 parachute is designed live jumps, dummy drops and air- to handle the greater weight ranges for drops. The plane has an anchor cable pilots and to provide a slower rate of with a winch on the right side of the descent and oscillation, according to aircraft cargo hold and bench seats the manufacturer. for parachutists and passengers run- In the past several weeks, testing of ning down both sides. According to

A GR7000 parachute along with dummy descends over a drop zone near Ed- wards Air Force Base, Calif. A team from the 418th Flight Test Squadron conducted several drops using the parachute, which has been proposed as a replacement for the current C-9 canopy used in the ACES II ejection seat. (U.S. Air Force photo/Brad White) July 17, 2017 • 5 Air Force Club Member Portal transition starts Aug. 1 with $10,000 grand prize incentive

By Tanya Bryan counts. option online to print your card. The Arnold AFB Services Branch As of Aug. 15, all Chase Bank new tool allows real-time notifica- membership accounts will be closed tion about club discounts and events. By now, all club members should and switched over to MemberPlanet. Be aware, you may see messages have received a letter from Chase All you have to do is log into Mem- coming from MemberPlanet but it Bank concerning the end of the re- berPlanet.com or download the free is from your local club, marketing lationship between Chase and the MemberPlanet app on your smartphone or AF Clubs. military. This means that Chase will and verify your information, then se- Arnold Air Force Base Services no longer manage the member ac- lect your method of payment for your staff are available to assist you with counts and a credit card is no longer monthly dues. You become eligible making the transition. Stop by Café required to be an Air Force to win the $10,000 Cash Grand Prize 100 Aug. 2 or 16 between 10 a.m. those under age 12. All are invited to Club Member. when you update your account Aug. and 1 p.m., or attend the Member- play games with their family. Air Force Clubs developed 1-31. Other prizes include a lifetime ship Family Game Night Aug. 11 If you are unable to attend one of a trusted partnership with membership or a $1,000 cash prize. at the Arnold Lakeside Center from these transition assistance events, call MemberPlanet to provide With this new and improved mem- 5:30-8:30 p.m. Members and their the Arnold Lakeside Center, (931) a new club member ber management tool, your member- immediate family can enjoy a free 454-3350, or Services Marketing, (931) portal to manage ac- ship card will be digital. Simply pull it Italian Buffet and be eligible for 454-3128. You may also visit MyAir- up on your smartphone app and show door prizes or a grand prize $100 ForceLife.com for more details. it to receive your member discounts. If Services Gift Card. Non-members Stay Connected! Club Memberships you don’t have a smartphone there is an may attend for $10 each, $7 for Matter! Air Force leaders continue to emphasize air and space priorities on Capitol Hill

By Secretary of the Air wherever it's required," Wilson said. operations and require- ies, the Air Force must ac- be able to get to full spec- Force Public Affairs Goldfein said. "Standing side-by-side ments to meet the demands celerate procurement. The trum readiness with stable The fiscal 2018 bud- with the United States of a warfighting domain. service will take advantage budgets, Goldfein said. WASHINGTON get will bring the active Navy, we're responsible "We’ve provided GPS of authorities provided in The Air Force will be un- (AFNS) – Secretary of the duty force from 321,000 for two of the three legs of for the world. We’ve trans- the fiscal 2017 Defense able to execute the defense Air Force Heather Wilson to 325,100 while also add- the nuclear triad,” Gold- formed not only the way Authorization Act to help strategic guidance under and Air Force Chief of ing 800 Reservists, 600 fein said. "On our worst we fight but the way all field operational capabili- sequester. Staff Gen. David L. Gold- Guardsmen, and 3,000 day as a nation, our job is of you probably navigate ties faster than ever before, If the Budget Control fein briefed congressional civilians, bringing the to- to make sure that we have around the city,” Wilson Wilson said. Act limit is not fixed and leaders on the Senate’s tal force to approximately the commander in chief added. “We must expect The request for fund- we have to go through se- Defense Appropriations 669,000. The increased where he needs to be, when that war, of any kind, will ing for long-term research quester, that will be equiv- Committee on the future of manpower will focus pri- he needs to be there, and extend into space in any fu- in air dominance increased alent to a $15 billion cut, air and space power during marily on increasing re- through nuclear command ture conflict, and we have significantly in the fiscal Wilson said. The Air Force testimony on Capitol Hill motely piloted aircraft and control – which we're to change the way we think 2018 budget. The Air Force is too small for what the June 21. crews, maintainers and responsible for – that he and prepare for that even- will seek to increase basic nation expects of us now; The leaders highlight- pilot training capacity by stays connected to a ready tuality.” and applied research in ar- sequestration would make ed that efforts to restore adding two additional F-16 force to be able to defend eas where it must maintain the situation worse, she readiness and increase the training squadrons and this nation and deter adver- the competitive advantage said. lethality of the force were maximizing flying hours saries as we also assure our Innovation for the over adversaries. This in- According to Wilson foremost in their minds. to the highest executable partners." future cludes hypersonic vehicles, and Goldfein, by support- Wilson said any objective levels. directed-energy, unmanned ing the budget request, Research, development, evaluation of today’s Air Wilson said next to and autonomous systems Congress can provide fis- testing and evaluation are Force reached two conclu- people, the most obvious Space and nanotechnology. cal predictability to the Air critically important for sions: The Air Force is too readiness need is muni- The Air Force has been Force so it can continue the Air Force, Wilson and small for what the nation tions. In the fight against the leading military service to own the high ground, Goldfein said. expects of it and adversar- the Islamic State of Iraq responsible since 1954. Budget stability defend the homeland and To prevail against rap- ies are modernizing and and Syria, the Air Force Over the last several years, It’s going to take ap- project power in conjunc- idly innovating adversar- innovating faster – putting has delivered approximate- the service has been devel- proximately eight years to tion with allies. Americans’ technological ly 56,000 direct-attack mu- oping concepts for space advantage at risk. nitions, more than it used control, changing the way "The fiscal year 2017 in all of Operation Iraqi it trains its space force and budget began to arrest the Freedom. The fiscal 2018 integrating space opera- decline, and restore the budget funds maximum tions into the joint fight. readiness of the force, so factory production of the "This budget proposal this fiscal 2018 budget most critical munitions. has a 20 percent increase starts us, I hope, on the for space, that means situ- road to recovery,” she said. ational awareness – the Modernization ability to not just catalog The fiscal 2018 budget what's up there, which we Air Force in Demand focuses on the Air Force’s would do in a benign en- Looking forward, Wil- top three modernization vironment, but to have a son and Goldfein do not programs: near-real-time understand- envision the demand for air • Purchasing 46 F-35A ing of what is going on in and space power diminish- Lightning II fighters space, who is moving and ing in the coming decade. and modernizing other where they're moving to," Today, the Air Force is fighters; said Wilson. manned with 660,000 ac- The proposed budget tive, Guard, Reserve and • Buying 15 KC-46 increases space funding, civilian Airmen, a 30 per- Pegasus tankers; including a 27 percent in- cent decline since Opera- • Funding the B-21 crease in research, devel- tion Desert Storm 26 years Raider bomber opment, testing and evalu- ago. development ation for space systems, "If I'd been talking to The proposed budget and a 12 percent increase the Air Force in 1991, I'd also supports the continu- for space procurement. [have] been looking at an ation and modernization of On June 16, Wilson an- Air Force of over 8,600 the nuclear triad with funds nounced the establishment aircraft, 134 fighter squad- dedicated to both air- and of the new headquarters rons from which we de- ground-based capabilities. space directorate. This di- ployed 34,” Goldfein said. Our nuclear enterprise rectorate will be led by the “Today, the grand total is getting old and we must deputy chief of staff for of your United States Air begin modernizing now to space operations, who will Force, active, Guard, Re- ensure a credible deterrent, be the advocate for space serve, is 55 squadrons total. This is a much smaller force that's engaged in the same level of activity as we were in 1991." The Air Force leaders said while the fiscal 2018 budget request focuses on restoring readiness and increasing lethality, future budgets must focus on modernization and contin- ued readiness recovery. Restoring readiness The two testified that maintaining superiority starts with people. "For Airmen, it's nothing short of a moral obli- gation to ensure that we establish air superiority quickly whenever and 6 • July 17, 2017

See the Services August calendar on page 11. July 17, 2017 • 7 8 • July 17, 2017 Block 5 MQ-9 debuts in combat

By Christian Clausen 432nd Wing/432nd Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs

CREECH AIR FORCE BASE, Nev. (AFNS) – The latest version of the MQ-9 Reaper, the Block 5 variant, flew its first successful combat mission June 23 in support of Operation Inher- ent Resolve. The aircrew flew a sortie of more than 16 hours with a full payload of weapons including GBU-38 Joint Di- rect Attack Munitions and AGM-114 Hellfire missiles. During the mission, the crew employed one GBU-38 and two Hellfires while providing hours of armed reconnaissance for supported ground forces. “Working in conjunction with coalition joint terminal attack controllers, other MQ-9 aircraft and crews, our aircrews employed two Hellfires and one GBU-38,” said Maj. Dan, the 432nd Wing director of operations. “All three strikes met the ground force commander’s intent and destroyed two defensive fighting positions, two vehicles and one mortar tube.” The Block 5 MQ-9 is equipped with The new Block 5 MQ-9 Reaper is loaded with AGM-114 Hellfire missiles, a GBU-12 Paveway II laser-guided bomb and a improved electrical and communica- GBU-38 Joint Direct Attack Munition April 13, 2017, at Creech Air Force Base, Nev. On June 23, the Block 5 variant, flew tions systems which provides better its first successful combat mission in support of Operation Inherent Resolve. The Block 5 is equipped with improved software and hardware upgrades for electrical and communications systems which provides better software and hardware upgrades for future operations. future operations providing dominant (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Christian Clausen) persistent attack and reconnaissance to ing new weapons, tactics, software and they were packed up again and shipped this accomplishment is that it was done joint force commanders. The aircraft aircraft efficiently to support the lethal to the area of responsibility. while the Airmen of the 432nd Wing must also be flown with the new Block and non-lethal needs of the military is “Bottom line, the maintainers of the remained constantly engaged in com- 30 cockpit that required different train- just part of the job. 432nd MXG were instrumental in pre- bat during the transition activities and ing for the aircrews. “To take an entirely new airframe paring the Block 5 aircraft for their first training. While employing weapons from a and bring it into combat with lethal ef- combat sorties,” said Col. Matthew, the “Our Airmen make this look easy,” new aircraft flown from a new cockpit fectiveness is incredible, and that such 432nd MXG commander. “The men said Col. Case Cunningham, the 432nd is a historic milestone, the aircrew who a historic milestone for this new air- and women of the 432nd MXG were Wing commander. “But the fact is that flew the mission were humbled by the frame was standard operations for our responsible for ensuring combat ready transitioning and training to directly experience. unit is even more incredible,” he said. aircraft deployed to the AOR. The suc- field a new cockpit and a new airframe “(This strike) was no different than Before the Block 5 could even take cess of the first Block 5 sortie was not into combat with flawless execution, employing weapons off the previous off, Airmen of the 432nd Maintenance a single effort and required the 432nd while simultaneously providing contin- version of the MQ-9,” said Maj. Chad, Group prepared the aircraft to fly. Wing to come together. It was the work uous multi-role capabilities for the joint a 432nd WG pilot. “Our job is to pro- The new MQ-9 aircraft arrived to of a team from the test and evaluation and coalition team in our older genera- vide the ground force commanders with Creech AFB in late February and addi- squadron developing the aircraft, to tion cockpits and aircraft, is nothing effective, persistent attack capability tional modifications, such as the battery maintenance preparing it for combat short of incredible. It’s just one more and we will continue to do that with cables and enhanced generator con- and the aircrews executing the mission. reason that these Airmen providing and whatever tools the Air Force provides trol units, were completed in April. In We will continue to come together as enabling MQ-9 combat airpower are us.” May, these MQ-9s were flown locally at we prepare for more Block 5s in the such highly valued members of the fin- Master Sgt. Joshua, a 432nd WG Creech AFB to test airworthiness after foreseeable future.” est joint warfighting team on the plan- sensor operator, explained that employ- the modifications. By the end of May What may be most remarkable about et.” Combat metals team innovates repair, saves AF thousands By Master Sgt. Eric M Sharman 386th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs

SOUTHWEST ASIA (AFNS) – You don’t always have everything you want on a deployment. No sixty inch plasma with video game console in your room, so you bring a laptop to play your games. Your cell phone doesn’t have coverage unless you pay exorbi- tant roaming fees, so you video chat with your family over Wi-Fi when you can instead. You make it work, however you can. That is what the men and women of the 386th Expeditionary Maintenance Squadron combat metals shop did recently when a C-130 Hercules tire blew out on landing at a forward operating base, and the body of the tire kicked up and bent the left landing gear door. The 386th Expeditionary Maintenance Squadron combat metals team installs a repaired C-130 Hercules landing gear They took what they had and made it door during a maintenance operation at an undisclosed location in Southwest Asia, June 23. (U.S. Air Force photo/Mas- work. ter Sgt. Eric M. Sharman) The damage to the door called tion to making sure the door would fit for a complete part replacement, and flush to the fuselage,” said Taylor. shipping was going to take about two After the parts were fabricated and weeks, according to Capt. Donovan the metal skin that wasn’t able to be Ricks, the 386th Expeditionary Main- straightened was removed, the ten-per- tenance Squadron maintenance opera- son combat metals team set the ribs in tions officer. place and spliced a new piece of sheet “It was just one of those situations metal on to the landing gear door. After where we couldn’t just sit around and a final fit, trim, and function test, the air- wait,” said Ricks. “Every second that craft was returned to service. one of our aircraft isn’t fully mission- The repair cost the Air Force 229 capable represents pallets stacking up, man-hours, $400 in material, and 264 people not getting downrange, and war rivets for an engineer-approved air bat- fighters not getting what they need to tle damage repair procedure – a repair accomplish their mission.” that’s usually beyond field-level capabil- Led by Master Sgt. Daniel Taylor, ities. In total, the efforts of the combat the 386th EMXS combat metals flight metals team saved the Air Force almost chief, the combat metals Airmen got $107,000 in replacement cost by mak- to work. They began by removing the ing it work with what they had over the door and hammering the dents and course of the three-day repair, as well creases out of the sheet metal as best as returning the aircraft to service eight they could. During disassembly they days early. learned that the damage to the door “I’m very proud of this team for extended beyond the metal skin to the the way they problem-solved this dam- structural ribs of the door. age repair,” said Maj. Odi Diambra, the “We made a forming block out of 386th EMXS Commander. “It shows that plywood that had the same contour they truly understand how important the Master Sgt. Daniel Taylor, the 386th Expeditionary Maintenance Squadron com- shape as the landing gear door as the mission is here and are willing to work bat metals flight chief, checks a newly repaired C-130 Hercules landing gear mold. We used that mold to make sure hard, think outside the box and put their door for fit after installation as Senior Airman Andrew Williams, a combat metals team member, looks on during an installation operation at an undisclosed the ribs we fabricated would match the skills to the test to keep our planes flying location in Southwest Asia, June 23. (U.S. Air Force photo/ Master Sgt. Eric M. factory specifications exactly, in -addi and maintain our combat capabilities.” Sharman) July 17, 2017 • 9 Hands-On Science Center holds AFA CyberCamp

By Beverly Lee Hands-On Science Center

Do you have an interest in cybersecurity and com- puters? Are you a beginner and would like to learn more about securing networks and hardening Operat- ing Systems? The Hands-On Science Center will host an Air grade students to pursue a Science, Technology, En- small groups to accomplish tasks. The most important Force Association CyberCamp July 17 - 21. It is open gineering and Mathematics [STEM] career and better skill to possess is the passion to learn and a positive to seventh to tenth grade students and it is the perfect understand the cyber threats experienced by business, attitude. first step towards learning more about cybersecurity. industry, the government as well as individuals. We The AFA CyberCamp curriculum and activities Many students that attend AFA CyberCamps go on are very pleased to be a part of the best national youth are largely computer-based. The 20-hour curriculum to join a CyberPatriot National Defense Competition cyber education program in the country.” is designed to be completed over five days, with the team during the school year. Camp attendees do not need to have any special fifth day serving as a day of mini-Competition. “We are very excited to have been selected to host skill set to participate in an AFA CyberCamp. Some “Volunteers from our award-winning high school an Air Force Association CyberCamp,” said Beverly very basic knowledge of computer hardware such as CyberPatriot teams, as well as experts from AEDC Lee, vice president of the Board of Directors for the knowing how to use a mouse, start a monitor or iden- and UTSI, will assist during the camp,” Lee said. Hands-On Science Center. “Last year there were 100 tifying Windows start button icon, is helpful but not For more information, please check the Hands- locations in the United States selected to host a Cy- necessary. On Science Center website www.hosc.org or the Air berCamp, and we knew this program was in our do- A basic English reading level is an essential di- Force Association CyberPatriot website at www.us- main. Our camp will encourage local seventh – tenth rective and students must work alone as well as with cyberpatriot.org. Robins AFB finishes Global Hawk work By Tech. Sgt. Kelly Goonan 78th Air Base Wing Public Affairs

ROBINS AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. (AFNS) – A special ribbon-cutting ceremony, signaling the early completion of work on the first RQ-4 Global Hawk at Robins Air Force Base, was held on the base flight line June 29. The arrival of this unmanned aerial vehicle marked the first time an aircraft of this type has flown in to an Air Force air logistics complex. During the ceremony, Brig. Gen. John Kubinec, the Warner Robins Air Logis- tics Complex commander, spoke to the tremendous amount of work involved to get the Global Hawk not only on the Rob- ins AFB ramp but to get it in the impec- cable condition in which it is now. He said, “It’s nothing short of spec- tacular.” A special ribbon-cutting ceremony, signaling the early completion of work on the first RQ-4 Global Hawk at Robins Air “Our team was motivated and excited Force Base was held June 29. Robins AFB is the first and only installation to have a building-based Launch and Recov- about bringing this workload here,” Ku- ery Element, allowing the aircraft to take off and land from this location. This is also the first time a Global Hawk has binec said. “This is the beginning of a new flown into an Air Force air logistics complex. Warner Robins Air Logistics Complex maintenance professionals meticu- chapter here at the Warner Robins ALC, lously painted the aircraft to prevent corrosion. (U.S. Air Force photo/Tech. Sgt. Kelly Goonan) but that pales in comparison to how big unique challenges, Hammett said. The where it’s needed, stay longer and pro- Force provides to our joint partners, and of a deal this is to the Airmen, Soldiers, 78th Air Base Wing constructed the first vide more benefit to those in harm’s way. the work we just did here will ensure that Sailors and Marines who are in harm’s and only building-based Launch and Re- He said, “The Global Hawk helps unblinking eye will be there when it’s way right now that rely on the products covery Element, allowing the aircraft to provide an unblinking eye that our Air needed.” this aircraft gives them every single day. take off and land at Robins AFB. An- “It’s the warfighter who is the real other challenge was addressing the Fed- winner here.” eral Aviation Agency’s concerns about The airframe is in high demand due to bringing the Global Hawk into Atlanta its capabilities in support of the full spec- airspace, which is home to the nation’s trum of military operations from combat busiest airport. operations against the Islamic State of “We’ve shown that we can bring a re- Iraq and Syria to humanitarian missions. motely piloted aircraft into a depot where Even NASA is using the Global Hawk to there is a limitless amount of expertise,” conduct environmental research. Hammett said. “I challenge the team to Warner Robins Air Logistics Complex look beyond the paint capability and en- maintenance professionals meticulously sure we are utilizing all of the abilities painted the aircraft to prevent corrosion. that Robins (AFB) has to offer.” While a programmed depot maintenance Col. Sarah Christ, the 78th Air Base requirement for Global Hawk has not Wing vice commander, pointed out just been established, the Air Force recog- how unique the mission at Robins AFB nizes that having an organic maintenance was for the Global Hawk. capability for Global Hawk enhances the “Aside from its home base, it’s a rarity ability to manage the fleet and keep this for this aircraft to land anywhere inside resource flying. the continental United States,” Christ “The process started five years ago said, adding that the success of the work when the Air Force and Department of done here validates an organic paint and Defense boards were making the initial refurbishment capability for the Global decisions about where airframe work for Hawk at Robins AFB. It ensures that this the Global Hawk should be performed,” critical asset will continue to deliver intel- said Col. Darien Hammett, the Global ligence, surveillance and reconnaissance Hawk Program Office director. “When capabilities to combatant commanders you consider the decades of proven per- for years to come. formance at Robins (AFB), we were not Looking to the future Kubinec said surprised when this base was chosen for that the work and repairs the air logistics that effort.” complex accomplished will enable the Landing the Global Hawk came with Global Hawk to arrive on station faster

Brig. Gen. John Kubinec, the Warner Robins Air Logistics Complex commander, speaks with local media June 29, following a special ribbon-cutting ceremony which signaled the early completion of work on the first RQ-4 Global Hawk at Robins Air Force Base, Georgia. The base is the first and only installation to have a building-based Launch and Recovery Element, allowing the aircraft to take off and land from this location. This is also the first time a Global Hawk has flown into an Air Force air logistics complex. (U.S. Air Force photo/Tech. Sgt. Kelly Goonan) 10 • July 17, 2017 MQ-9 maintainer’s innovation expedites engine training

By Senior Airman operations tempo didn’t Christian Clausen allow us to get an aircraft 432nd Wing/432nd Air Ex- for training very often,” peditionary Wing Public Eric said. “Because this Affairs is such a critical task we needed a way to train.” CREECH AIR In 2016, a crashed air- FORCE BASE, Nev. craft from downrange had (AFNS) – In order to en- been sent back to Creech able airpower, the Air before disposal. The Force calls upon skilled MQ-9 in question had se- and competent maintain- vere structural damage, ers to perform all re- but the innards were still quired functions to keep functional. This got Eric aircraft ready. thinking. This means main- “I wondered if it was tainers must be properly possible to make the trained to keep the mis- training engine we al- sion going. When Mas- ready had power capable ter Sgt. Eric, the 432nd from this crashed air- Aircraft Maintenance craft,” he said. “I did the Squadron Reaper Aircraft research and it looked Maintenance Unit pro- possible, then I made duction superintendent, sure I had the right servos had the opportunity to and controllers and I set solve a problem within off to find the rest of the the MQ-9 Reaper com- parts needed.” munity, he seized it. It took about eight Staff Sgt. Joshua, the 432nd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron MQ-9 Reaper crew chief, uses an engine The issue was the lack months of Eric’s spare trainer to refresh his skills June 19 at Creech Air Force Base, Nev. The engine trainer can be programmed of opportunity to train time before and after to display certain errors which maintainers must correct. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Christian on MQ-9 engine rigging, shift, but in January Clausen) a critical task that in- 2017, he had finished a even more time. We’re volves tuning the servos fully functional MQ-9 saving a minimum of (actuators). The servos engine trainer. In fact, eight to 12 man-hours per take electrical signals the trainer was built the training session.” and translate them into same way as a functional That figure doesn’t mechanical commands MQ-9, with the parts be- count the time spent wait- to ensure the motor per- ing stored on a compact ing for an operational forms the correct orders and portable stand. This aircraft to become avail- from the pilot. If done is particularly beneficial able. Whereas, the en- improperly, the engine because maintainers can gine trainer is available could shut off when not seamlessly transfer from 24/7/365 and also helps intended, which is a big training to an operational inexperienced maintain- concern when flying a aircraft engine. ers get a hands-on ap- multi-million dollar air- However, the biggest proach to learning the craft with a single engine. advantage is the amount MQ-9 airframe, which This job is not per- of time saved. improves the unit’s and formed very often, but “On an operational maintainer’s readiness. when it’s needed, it’s vi- aircraft the training alone “Having the training tal to get it right. AMXS would take four to five engine allows all aircraft maintainers support one hours but once you’re in the unit to be avail- of Air Combat Com- done training the Airmen, able for their intended mand’s most requested you have to put the plane purpose … flying,” said air frames downrange, so back to an operational Jeffrey, 432nd Mainte- available aircraft are lim- state, which takes another nance Group Air Force ited. three to four hours,” Eric Engineering and Techni- “Not only are we sup- said. “After that it needs cal Support. “Normally, Master Sgt. Eric, the 432nd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron Reaper Aircraft porting downrange op- fuels support, quality as- aircraft have to be pulled Maintenance Unit production superintendent, stands with the engine trainer erations, but local train- surance inspections and from the flying schedule he created June 19 at Creech Air Force Base, Nev. He saw a need for a power ing sorties as well, so our engine runs which takes and dedicated for train- capable training engine to practice engine rigging, which involves tuning the actuators that translate electrical signals to mechanical commands. If done improperly, the engine could shut off when not intended. The trainer allowed maintainers to train on this vital task without taking an operational aircraft out of the rotation. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Christian Clausen) ing use that gets reported cause our Airmen deserve or refresh their skills. The as ‘non-mission capable,’ that.” blueprints to the design which negatively affects “This trainer helps have been made acces- the unit’s mission rates. because our Airmen can sible to all MQ-9 units in Having the training en- get hands-on training at the Air Force. gine has a positive effect any time,” said 2nd Lt. “Master Sgt. Eric is on the unit’s available Owen, the 432nd AMXS one of those guys who aircraft and mission ca- Reaper AMU assistant come along once in a pability rates.” officer in charge. “It can blue moon,” Jeffrey said. Jeffrey also said that also be programmed to “He is highly motivated Eric saved the unit and display troubleshooting and has more initiative the Air Force more than issues, so our maintainers than anyone I’ve met in $1 million by utilizing have to dig into the sche- a long time. The idea of serviceable parts scav- matics, find the problem this trainer was all his enged from crashed air- and fix it. I’ve been in the and he deserves 100 per- craft rather than buy new Air Force 15 years and cent of the credit for the parts. I’ve never seen anyone outcomes.” “I’ve been here since do anything like this be- 2012 and this trainer is fore.” something we’ve needed While the trainer was for a long time, but we developed for the AMXS, didn’t have available as- General Atomics and sets,” Eric said. “Once other contracted compa- the assets became avail- nies have also utilized able, I made the time be- the engine trainer to learn

In 2016, Master Sgt. Eric, the 432nd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron Reaper Aircraft Mainte- nance Unit production superintendent created an engine trainer from scavenged parts which include all the electrical components displayed for the MQ-9 Reaper maintainers at Creech Air Force Base, Nev. The trainer allows MQ-9 Reaper maintainers to practice engine maintenance at any time. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Christian Clau- sen) July 17, 2017 • 11 MQ-9 maintainer’

See the Services July calendar on page 6.

In 2016, Master Eric, the 432nd Maintenance Reaper Aircraft Mainte superintendent include all maintainers

The trainer practice engine mainte nance at any time.

Airman Christian Clau sen) 12 • July 17, 2017