Defense officials visit Dover C-5M testing

  • Published
  • By Katherine C. Gandara
  • Air Force Operational Test and Evaluation Center Public Affairs chief
KIRTLAND AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. (AFNS) --  The senior adviser to the secretary of Defense on operational and live fire test and evaluation of DOD weapons systems flew on the C-5M Super Galaxy during a local air refueling qualification operational test and evaluation sortie Dec. 7 at Dover Air Force Base, Del.

Dr. J. Michael Gilmore, the director of Operational Test and Evaluation, flew on the sortie with Maj. Gen. Stephen T. Sargeant, the Air Force Operational Test and Evaluation Center commander, and Mike Crisp, the DOT&E deputy director of air warfare.

Doctor Gilmore spent time talking to the Air Mobility Command aircrew and maintenance personnel after they delivered more than 3.7 million pounds of cargo destined to Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom during a simulated 30 day wartime surge. Prior to the flight, Doctor Gilmore and Mr. Crisp toured the aircraft and saw the changes and enhancements resulting from the RERP modification.

"I invited Doctor Gilmore to fly with the QOT&E test team so he would have the opportunity to witness how AFOTEC conducts test and evaluation and see the C-5M demonstrate its new capabilities," General Sargeant said. Doctor Gilmore had the chance to talk directly with the aircrew and maintainers to get their candid feedback regarding the new capabilities."

AFOTEC is conducting QOT&E on the C-5M, which is the new designation for the C-5 Galaxy after receiving a modern glass cockpit and avionics upgrade as part of the Avionics Modernization Program, and new engines under the Reliability Enhancement and Re-engining Program.

"DOT&E leaders had the opportunity to observe and discuss the many aspects of the C-5 RERP test and evaluation and to see first-hand how the user's ability to conduct the strategic airlift mission is ultimately impacted," said Lt. Col. Robert Griffith, AFOTEC's C-5 RERP test manager. "They also visited the AFOTEC operations center and saw how the test team is leveraging innovative multimedia and data processing technology to effectively analyze large volumes of information."

"It was a terrific trip and a chance to see a great group of professionals," Doctor Gilmore said. "I thank the Air Force and the AFOTEC group for hosting a good visit."

"I am extremely proud of the entire test team made up of 79 personnel from our headquarters, AFOTEC's Det. 5 at Edwards, AFB, Calif., and a multitude of major commands," General Sargeant said. "Their innovations will have a positive impact on many of our test and evaluation efforts for many years."

AFOTEC is the Air Force independent test agency responsible for testing, under operationally realistic conditions, new systems being developed for Air Force and multiservice use.