Pods help warfighters improve air combat maneuvers

  • Published
  • By G. A. Volb
  • Ogden Air Logistics Center Public Affairs
HILL AIR FORCE BASE, Utah (AFPN) --  Knowledge is power and power is influence. In the case of fighter pilots, this knowledge enables them to control adversaries in the air and on the ground.

At the Ogden Air Logistics Center, the collection of information leading to air superiority begins with maintaining Air Combat Training System pods. The pods, which look like an air-to-air missile, collect data as the aircraft negotiates training scenarios. Back on the ground, the information is dissected and used to debrief the crew on what they did well and what they could improve on.

"ACTS pods are used to improve aircrew proficiency," said Thomas Nicholson, system support manager with the 84th Space and C3I Sustainment Group here. "They help interject high-intensity exposure to realistic combat scenarios, which allow for operational realism. Essentially, it's a means to evaluate an aircrew's tactical air combat maneuvers and their tactics employment." 

Success in gathering information and increasing knowledge is a matter of life or death in the defense business. This is where the importance of the 309th Electronics Maintenance Group comes into play as pod maintainers.

"This is one of the primary reasons -- training wise -- that we've produced the most capable air superiority force in the world," said Steve Halverson of the 309th EMXG. "We have air superiority over Iraq and other areas of the world, in part, due to the training our pilots can get with this system.

"The data gathered using these pods provides real-time, detailed feedback," Mr. Halverson said. "By the time a pilot engages a real-world enemy, their instincts regarding air-to-air combat or providing ground support are second nature. Our job is to maintain the components by working with item managers, equipment specialists, system engineers and technicians. We do the same for test equipment."

The pods were introduced into the Air Force in 1974. Before that, instructors used "stick aircraft -- wooden models of aircraft used to demonstrate maneuvers," Mr. Nicholson said.

"Instructors would stand in front of the class and demonstrate moves using wooden aircraft. Everything was done in two dimensional, and aircrews had to use live ammo to practice using their guns and missiles," he said.

By maintaining the system components and not having to purchase new, complete pods, the Air Force saves hundreds of thousands of dollars each year.

In the works, however, is a more comprehensive scheme. Known as the P5 Combat Training System, it's designed to provide a state-of-the-art mission debrief environment and improved mission recall.

"It'll provide accurate time-space-position information for up to 72 airborne participants," Mr. Nicholson said. "The debrief facilities, combined with training from experienced pilots and staff, will provide an accurate and complete assessment of aircrew weapons systems, determining the actual outcome of 'air battles' and reviewing lessons learned from previous missions." 

(Courtesy of Air Force Materiel Command News Service)