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Construction underway for new boompod simulator

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Jami K. Lancette
  • 434th ARW Public Affairs staff
GRISSOM AIR RESERVE BASE, Ind. --  By May of 2013 Grissom will have yet another simulator, and this time its training for the other side of the plane.

In conjunction with the already in place KC-135R Stratotanker cockpit simulator that the pilots utilize for additional training and feedback sessions, a boom operator weapons system trainer currently under construction is set to open May of 2013.

"It basically enhances our training," said Master Sgt. Scott Ward, 434th Operations Support Squadron in-flight refueling evaluator. "It's not going to replace the flight training; it's in addition to the flight training requirements."

A BOWST is a controlled atmosphere and can replicate multiple malfunctions at a time. This provides the boom operator with a variety of training conditions and enhances situational awareness during emergencies.

"It helps us enhance our emergency procedures and boom operating skills pertaining to check list procedures as they are an adherence to air force standards," said Ward.

During the simulation the instructor will be able to see exactly what the boom operator is doing from multiple computer screens just a few feet away and will be able to put to the test the booms knowledge and skills at a moment's notice.

"One of the unique things about the BOWST is at the end of the simulation there's a debrief portion where the instructor debriefs with the operator and they can review the session because it is recorded," explained Ward. "It increases the learning with current simulation as well as future."

The 434th Air Refueling Wing is the largest KC-135 Stratotanker unit in the Air Force Reserve Command. Airmen from the 434th ARW routinely deploy around the world in support of the Air Force mission and U.S. strategic objective.

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Public Affairs Staff

Material contained on the Official Grissom Air Reserve Base Internet Web Site is written and produced by members of the 434th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs Office. The award-winning staff includes:

Ben Mota
Chief, public affairs

Maj. Elias Zani
Public affairs officer

Master Sgt. Wendy Day
Staff writer

Tech. Sgt. Alexa Culbert
Staff writer

Senior Airman Elise Faurote
Staff writer

Senior Airman Benjamin Cowles
Staff writer