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Not your typical prototype: Block 45 upgrades take off

By Airman 1st Class Jose L. Leon, 22nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs / Published July 25, 2013

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MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. -- Pilots from the 22nd Operations Group flew the first training mission with Block 45 upgrades in one of the wing's KC-135 Stratotankers July 22, at McConnell Air Force Base, Kan.

Block 45 addresses critical obsolete aircraft equipment and safety of flight issues including a new auto pilot, a new radio altimeter and an LCD screen that replaces analog gauges as well as other minor changes.

Two of the 62 Stratotankers assigned to McConnell AFB have been retrofitted by Air Force Material Command for testing as prototypes before initial production begins on 17 additional KC-135's.

"Having Air Mobility Command pilots flying prototype AFMC aircraft is a very unique and unprecedented situation," said Maj. Christopher Brockman, 22nd Operations Group KC-135 Stratotanker Block 45 program chief pilot. "These flights provide the cadre an opportunity to develop techniques to best utilize the new equipment."

The cadre, Maj. Scot Stewart and Capt. Travis Neal, 22nd OG instructor pilots, worked a sequence of events confirming the modifications on the aircraft as described in the technical orders and training materials during the flight.

"The jet flew as advertised," said Stewart. "[I] was impressed with the new automation and believe this enhanced modification will bring increased capabilities to the tanker fleet."

Block 45 is the fourth series of major modifications to add capability to the aging KC-135 fleet.

"This new equipment will allow pilots to fly more precisely while increasing their situational awareness and margin of safety," said Brockman. "This is also the first time the plane was flown with training objectives in mind instead of system validation."

Stewart, who was the aircraft commander for the flight, will be assuming the Block 45 program chief pilot position. He shares a similar passion as Brockman when it comes to the KC-135.

"I am very excited to be a part of this program," said Stewart.