MacDill upgrades flight simulator

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Jenay Randolph
  • 6th Air Mobility Wing public affairs
MACDILL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  Beginning April 23, 2015, the KC-135R simulation and training system at MacDill Air Force Base, Florida, became the 17th device to receive the latest virtual upgrades Air Force wide.

Col. Brian Smith, 6th Operations Group commander, took MacDill's first virtual flight in the newly upgraded flight simulation and training system, "flight simulator", June 29, 2015. T
he upgrades included a projector replacement, scene processors, out-the-window channels, adding 21 moving models and installing 35 new databases to improve the visual system of the trainer.

"With these upgrades the simulator is more realistic, which in turn provides better training to all pilots using the simulator," expressed Maj. Jeremy Regans, 6th Operations Support Squadron director of operations. "Now our pilots should be more equipped to fly and complete the overall flying and refueling mission from training with the new upgraded trainer."

The upgrades allow for easier maintenance and cost efficiency, more realistic aerial refueling training, along with expanded airfield and operating area capabilities to create more training credited without loss of realism.

In addition, the improvements have increased the landing requirement completion rate from 50 percent to 100 percent, and provided improved weather and cloud representations, including realistic thunderstorms.

"I am excited for the pilots, boom operators and crew force to experience this new trainer," expressed Smith after taking the first ride in the new simulator. "The new level of detail and visual reference creates a more clear, accurate, and realistic flying experience."