ROYAL AIR FORCE MILDENHALL – Airmen of the 100th Air Refueling Wing are testing a wireless communication system designed to improve communication between KC-135 Stratotanker aircrews and ground personnel.
The capability is intended to address several challenges associated with the wired communication cables currently used around the aircraft.
The wired cables are used daily during aircraft launches, ground maintenance, engine runs and towing operations. Because of the frequent use, cables often require repairs that can take hours. “Replacement cables cost about $1,500 each,” said U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Justin Gault, 100th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron noncommissioned officer in charge.
Leadership support has allowed maintainers to test the wireless capability and determine whether it can meet their needs in an operational environment.
“The product already exists, it's just nobody thought to put it on this aircraft,” said Gault. “Let’s spend a lot less time fixing this old, outdated equipment and putting Band-Aid fixes on broken processes.”
For Airmen working directly with the KC-135, the wireless capability could also improve training and communication during day-to-day operations.
“As an Airman, wireless communication would be very helpful because we have a lot of new Airmen coming in,” said U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Isaac Lawlor, 100th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron aerospace propulsion journeyman. “Being able to have them listen to what the crew is saying, then our responses to the crew, they can bridge together what is going to happen when they try it for the first time by themselves.”
The wireless capability would give maintainers greater range of motion when working on the aircraft and eliminate a tripping hazard, which is a common occurrence, Lawlor explained.
“Being able to walk around freely and communicate to the people around me, we’ll be able to point out what we’re looking at which will make training and the job overall smoother.” said Lawlor.
The demonstration highlights the role Airmen can play in improving established processes, even when the solution is not a new invention.
“I think introducing new technology into our fleet is a very good idea,” said Lawlor. “Any chance to step into the future is beneficial to help streamline getting these jets out there to perform their mission.”
The wireless communication capability remains in the testing phase. Initial testing has demonstrated that the system can work with the KC-135, giving maintainers an opportunity to evaluate whether the technology can improve communication, efficiency and situational awareness during ground operations.