ALC works to keep KC-135 crews safe

Published April 1, 2011
By Brandice J. O'Brien
Tinker Public Affairs

TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- Since its introduction into service in 1957, the KC-135 Stratotanker has faced more battles and conflicts than the average military member. Yet, until recently, the air-refueling aircraft went into those confrontations without any protection.

But, that doesn't have to be the case anymore. Recently, Air Mobility Command, the Air National Guard, the Oklahoma City Air Logistics Center C/KC-135 System Program Office, Northrop-Grumman and other agencies studied and tested the effects of a cost-effective detachable defense system.

The Large Aircraft Infrared Countermeasures, or LAIRCM, is a 538-pound pod that attaches to the bottom of the aircraft and uses a laser to scramble another aircraft's missile guidance system.

"Sometimes for aero-medical evaluation missions, KC-135s are flown into hostile air space," said Col. Robert Torick, OC-ALC C/KC-135 System Program manager. "Currently, there are no countermeasures available to this fleet and this system will protect the aircrew, passengers, medical crew, and the patients."

The pod is similar to defense systems on other aircraft, including the C-17 Globemaster III and MC-130 Combat Talon, just packaged differently. Developed by the Department of Homeland Security, the pod was initially tested for use on commercial aircraft. Following the tests, the 14 pods went into storage.

In fiscal 2010 budget, there was a congressional add to see if the pod was operationally suitable on the KC-135. Department of Navy representatives have been in communication with Col. Torick's personnel about using the pod for their own fleet.

After speaking with manufacturer, Northrop-Grumman, the KC-135 SPO spent nine months planning the operational suitability, safety and effectiveness tests they'd perform on the aircraft and pod. Then, they contacted the Kansas Air National Guard's 190th Air Refueling Wing to attach the pod to an aircraft.

Once the aircraft was modified, it flew test missions and then was deployed for four "real-world" missions.

Although the pod changes the flow of the air across the bottom of the aircraft, it doesn't have a great impact when taking off, landing or refueling another aircraft, said Eric Guttery, OC-ALC C/KC-135 SPO Modification Branch chief.

With installation, the pod costs approximately $1.2 million. Other systems, since they have to be built into an aircraft, can cost between $5 and $10 million.

If the Air Force decides to use pods on a more regular basis, the colonel said pilots and maintenance crews will have to complete training courses.

"Despite the aircraft's average age of 50 years old, the program office and the warfighter continue to value its service, whether it's tanking or aero-medical evacuations," Colonel Torick said. "We will continue to sustain, upgrade, and modify this tanker to keep it a viable national asset to 2040 and beyond."