A Very Cost-Effective Approach to "Boomer" Training Employed by The Air National Guard

Meet the BOSS... the Air National Guard's prototypical effort to develop a KC-135 Boom Operator Simulation System. Designed to provide "a high fidelity, fully DMO (Distributed Mission Operations) capable squadron level boom operator simulator for KC-135 squadrons," this is a collaborative effort designed to maximize training capabilities while (at the same time) minimizing the costlier aspects of keeping KC135 "Boomers" trained on their equipment and many different types of aircraft they may be asked to interact with.

The BOSS is a low cost, squadron-level KC-135 simulator that began prototype integration recently and is being fielded with an estimated requirement for 17 devices. The Air National Guard program uses four Christie Mirage HD 3D stereo DLP projectors offering a projected 3D image that gives the boom operator 'true-to-life depth of perception that could otherwise only be experienced in an actual aircraft.' The 3D BOSS is the first of its kind, using active stereoscopic technology that specifically addresses a boom operator’s critical need for precision, mobility and hi-fidelity depth of field. 

Designed to specifically support the ANG's the KC-135 Stratotanker fleet, these sim programs are devoted to filling training requirments for a vehicle that has provided the core aerial refueling capability for the Air Force/ANG and has excelled in this role for more than 50 years. The KC-135 provides aerial refueling support to Air Force, Navy and Marine Corps and allied nation aircraft. The KC-135 is also capable of transporting litter and ambulatory patients using patient support pallets during aeromedical evacuations.

Four turbofans, mounted under 35-degree swept wings, power the KC-135 to takeoffs at gross weights up to 322,500 pounds. Nearly all internal fuel can be pumped through the flying boom, the KC-135's primary fuel transfer method. A special shuttlecock-shaped drogue, attached to and trailing behind the flying boom, may be used to refuel aircraft fitted with probes.

Some aircraft have been configured with the Multipoint Refueling System or MPRS. MPRS configured aircraft are capable of refueling two receiver aircraft simultaneously from special "pods" mounted on the wingtips.

One crewmember, known as the boom operator, is stationed in the rear of the plane and controls the boom during in-flight air refueling. A cargo deck above the refueling system can hold a mixed load of passengers and cargo. Depending on fuel storage configuration, the KC-135 can carry up to 83,000 pounds of cargo.

Aero-TV Learns How To 'Fillerup' With The Air National Guard Boom Operator Simulation System

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