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McGuire AFB receives new weapon system trainer

  • Published
With the upcoming stand-down of the C-141 Starlifter and retirement of its training systems here, McGuire AFB begins a new phase in its aviation history with the C-17A Globemaster Aircrew Training System.

The training system arrived at the C-17 simulator facility here May 19 and will be available to train aircrews and loadmasters later this year.

One of 13 C-17 systems currently in the Air Force inventory, the simulator can be used to train pilots and loadmasters on a variety of scenarios, such as practicing emergency procedures or training objectives that are difficult to practice in the aircraft due to airspace/airfield constraints.

"The simulator is an important tool to train aircrews in normal and emergency procedures," said Capt. Garrett Gulish, 305th Operations Support Squadron chief of C-17 training. "It can be used to ensure proficiency in things like instrument approaches, takeoffs and landings."

Both the 514th and 305th Aircraft Maintenance Squadrons will be able to use the simulator for training.

Loadmasters as well as weapons school instructors will also be able to use this new system, said Captain Gulish.

"We are all extremely excited about this new system," the captain said. "This simulator is 'state of the art' with the latest in technology and is a great tool to keep our C-17 crews prepared for anything that may come our way."

One project officer said the simulator is like flying the aircraft. Ed Kuderski, 305th Operations Support Squadron KC-10/C-17 Aircrew Training System project officer said the simulator has a six degree motion system. It simulates C-17 aerodynamics to the aircrew along with a 225 by 50-degree field of view visual system, which displays day, dusk and night conditions, simulating the jet in real world scenarios.

"All instrumentation works just like it does in the airplane," added Mr. Kuderski. "It is designed to 'feel' like the airplane when you fly it."

He said it is very difficult to tell the difference between the simulator and the real aircraft, which makes it such a great learning tool.

"With troops deploying at any time, this simulator can help us prepare for the most adverse weather conditions or even engine failure," the captain said. "So when the crews are faced with the real thing, they are already trained and proficient in these procedures."

"The simulator allows aircrews to practice procedures that would be very dangerous in a real aircraft," added Captain Gulish. "This is extremely important, as many of these emergencies require a quick and almost automatic response."