McConnell simulator moves to Altus AFB

Published May 1, 2015
By Airman 1st Class Tara Fadenrecht
22nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs

MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. -- One of four KC-135 Stratotanker simulators currently located here is in the process of being removed.

Once disassembled, the pilot flight trainer will be loaded up and transported to Altus Air Force Base, Oklahoma. The relocation will create more room to bring in KC-46A Pegasus simulators at a later date.

Training teams have been utilizing KC-135 simulators for eight training sessions a day, and even with one less simulator available for use, pilots and trainers will still continue to meet mission and training requirements by working later hours, said David Kramer, 22nd Operations Group KC-135 simulator site manager.

"We're still going to do eight simulator periods a day," said Kramer. "It doesn't mean it's going to be fun, but that's what we have to do."

While necessary preparations are being made for the arrival of the KC-46A, the current KC-135 aerial refueling mission still continues.

"Bringing the KC-46A and its supporting training devices online is a critical step in recapitalizing the tanker fleet and maintaining the nation's global reach capabilities for years to come," said Major Gen. Michael S. Stough, Director of Strategic Plans, Requirements and Programs at Headquarters Air Mobility Command. "However, the KC-135 will remain the backbone of the tanker fleet throughout this transition."