NAVAL AIR STATION PENSACOLA, Fla. –
The 479th Flying Training Group accepted the final modified jet from Stevens Aviation at Dayton International Airport, Ohio Jan. 15.
Members of the 479th FTG, Stevens Aviation and Camber Corporation gathered to witness the delivery of the last of the modified 21 T-1 Jayhawk aircraft, which completes the Chief Staff of the Air Force vision stated in 2002 for a universally assignable Combat System Officer.
"More than 11 years ago, Air Force leadership required CSO training to be streamlined," said Lt. Col. Greg Formanski, 451st Flying Training Squadron Assistant Director of Operations. "This modification enables training to be accomplished in a single location, in one type of aircraft, and produces CSOs who are ready to perform duties in any operational aircraft."
The 451st FTS executes the advanced phase of undergraduate CSO training using the modified T-1 since 2009, fine-tuning the system to meet the demand of highly capable CSOs. The first student training sortie in the modified T-1 occurred June 2013.
"The modifications bring the training up to the level required to match the upgraded avionics in our various combat aircraft," Maj. Carrie Register, 451st FTS chief of instructor training said. "Our training needs to be innovative as technology continues to evolve."
The T-1 modifications are the next level of realistic, real-time training that integrates crew coordination, radio skills, and electronic warfare training in flight. "The 451st FTS is a one stop shop for CSO training. Now, with this modification the schoolhouse is able to shift the syllabus in order to efficiently and effectively produce CSOs ready for the operational Air Force," said Formanski.
CSOs not only have to be versed in navigation duties, they must also inform the aircrew of threats, verify targets, manage multiple flight systems, low-level navigation, and release munitions. The new T-1 modification has the capability to provide these realistic scenarios while recording the flight for further evaluation and enhanced flight debriefs.
"Changing the configuration of the CSO station in the modified T-1 is as easy as changing the arrangement of apps on your smartphone," Register said. "The system can easily change the digital instruments to mimic systems used in fighter, bomber and cargo aircraft."
According to Lt. Col. Ryan Conner, 479th Flying Training Group deputy commander, "the modification allows us to make many software changes. We even have the capability to simulate air-to-air combat and interact or communicate with another modified T-1 aircraft."
"The 479th FTG will continue to use this technology to modernize training. After a year of using this T-1 modification, we will consolidate feedback from CSO formal training units and adjust as required," Conner said.
"The delivery of the final jet is a culmination of our efforts that started more than 11 years ago," Formanski said. "We do not know what the future requirements will be for CSOs, but the 479th FTG is ready to adapt and deliver the finest CSOs possible."