ARTICLE

November 2003

KC-135 Simulator Is Now “In Motion”

by Susan Rietze

Upgrades on the KC-135 tanker simulator soon will allow the pilots to simulate dangerous conditions prohibited during live training because of the hazardous nature of refueling maneuvers, said Air Force officials.

Without adequate training that would simulate refueling operations, the risk of accidents during an actual refueling process increases exponentially, Paul Minardi, program manager for the KC-135, told National Defense.

The 19 KC-135 simulators at bases across the country will be receiving accessory hydraulic plumbing and actuators that allow the pilot to experience the motion of flight.

According to Minardi, the system must meet “C+ FAA ratings.” These include both visual and motion systems to simulate the in-flight movement of the KC-135. All the devices are expected to be integrated by 2004.

Before the hydraulic system was incorporated into the simulators, stall conditions were not realistic, said Minardi. The pilot did not feel the effect of nose drop and was in better condition to recover.

The KC-135 training system is designed to imitate all the separate functions of the aircraft.

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