E-6B Mercury flight hour shortfalls caused by aircraft fatigue created an urgent need for an in-flight training solution to preserve pilot proficiency and reduce demand on operational aircraft.
The Adversary and Specialized Aircraft Program Office (PMA-226) collaborated with the Airborne Strategic Command, Control and Communications Program Office (PMA-271) and Strategic Communications Wing 1 to pioneer an innovative acquisition strategy for a contractor-owned, government-operated aircraft to support E-6B training.
The team awarded a contract for Boeing 737 Next Generation flight hours 18 days ahead of schedule. Because the aircraft’s cockpit interface mirrors that of the E-6B, it provides realistic training while reducing wear and tear on operational E-6B aircraft.
| Date Taken: | 09.01.2026 |
| Date Posted: | 09.10.2026 10:45 |
| Photo ID: | 9924126 |
| VIRIN: | 260901-O-IE017-6248 |
| Resolution: | 7008x4672 |
| Size: | 6.97 MB |
| Location: | US |
| Web Views: | 22 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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