Grissom aircraft get digital upgrade Published May 3, 2007 By Tech. Sgt. Douglas Hays 434th ARW Public Affairs GRISSOM AIR RESERVE BASE, Ind -- Imagine a world where as you drove to work all the traffic lights turned to green as you approached. All obstacles and detours removed. With the help of technology, that fantasy is on the cusp of reality for the airline industry - and for Grissom's KC-135R Stratotanker fleet. A current upgrade project labeled Block 40 is adding new technology to Grissom's 50-year old airframes. The work is being done at Kelly Field Annex in San Antonio Texas, and consists of upgrades to the communication, navigation and surveillance systems on the tanker. This digital makeover will add a few more antennas to the outside of the aircraft that will connect the world to the crew members inside. Flight data information can be added and changed automatically from locations anywhere in the world via satellite uplinks and downloads into the aircraft's computer operating systems. Text messages can be delivered to the aircrew from air traffic controllers and the tanker airlift control center. "The equipment on the ground will be able to talk to the new systems in the aircraft," said Maj. Vic Verboncoeur, 434th Operations Support Squadron's director of training. "The increased navigational performance along with air traffic control's improved ability to monitor aircraft position greatly increases safety and allows reduced airspace surrounding each aircraft. " When the new global air traffic management system comes on line, the current airspace required for a single KC-135 to operate will then safely allow eight aircraft to operate in the same airspace. " For aircrew members there will be little noticeable difference in the cockpit. Some additional buttons and switches will be placed in the armrests to help effectively manage and access the data that is fed to them, and extra data ports will be installed in the back of the aircraft. Also, a printer was added and the entire circuit breaker system is replaced. Three additional global positioning receivers and a satellite radio will be installed on the aircraft. With the new capability also comes new accountability. "No more speeding," laughed Major Verboncoeur. "Flight data information is constantly being sent back and forth and monitored on the ground." The pre-assigned altitude and required times of arrival at various reporting points along the way allow controllers to manage and monitor much closer than before. The first KC-135 began the upgrade process earlier this year. The project for the entire Grissom fleet is likely to last until September 2008. Aircrew members must be trained on the new system as well. "There are about 300 new data pages for the aircrew to learn in the upgraded systems," said Capt. Doug Perry, assistant director of training. Each pilot must complete 17 hours of computer based training, 16 hours of simulator training and fly two sorties before they can be certified in the new system. Boom operators must complete five hours of computer based training and take an aircraft field trip. The upgrade keeps Grissom's KC-135R fleet on the cutting edge of technology and helps to extend its life span. Current estimates are for the KC-135 fleet to be flying for more than 30 more years.
