JTF-CS conducts air load reconfiguration proof of concept

JTF-CS held an air load reconfiguration test Oct. 9, 2018 at the C-17 Training Area here to verify safe and secure loading of two box trucks onto a mockup Boeing C-17 Globemaster III.

According to Tim Fahey, Chief of the Joint Movement Center at JTF-CS, this test was phase two of a reconfiguration proof of concept that could change how the command conducts loading during a deployment.

“The Transportation and Mobility Division of JTF-CS coordinated with the Fort Eustis Training Division to secure the C-17 mockup training area for an air load plan reconfiguration proof of principle,” said Fahey. “The Air Movement Noncommissioned Officer in Charge, Air Force Tech. Sgt. Christina Anders, thought it might be possible to load two box trucks on one C-17 aircraft.”

Anders used the Integrated Computerized Deployment System (ICODES) to verify this new loading plan was possible. This step was phase one of the reconfiguration.

“ICODES is a system that allows for load planning of cargo on aircraft, ships and rail cars,” said Anders. “When it comes to aircraft we can build the cargo in the system to match what we are loading on the planes. Within that picture it allows us to balance the plane effectively and utilize the space offered with the information we provide it.”

T.C. Lasker, a JTF-CS Global Force Management and Joint Operations Planning Execution Systems manager and one of the test drivers, said phase three of the reconfiguration will happen at Fort Lee, Va.

“Phase three involves loading the box trucks onto a real C-17, not the wood and cement mockups at Fort Eustis,” said Lasker. “This will give the command a more accurate idea of whether this new load plan is possible. The main challenge we have to overcome is the experience of the drivers. The usable space in a C-17 is 216 inches, while each box truck is 102 inches wide. While technically possible, this gives the drivers very little room for error.”

“If this reconfiguration is successful, then the JTF-CS main body movement would require only four C-17s and not five as previously planned,” said Fahey. “Reducing the JTF-CS Main Body movement requirement by one aircraft increases our responsiveness and frees up an aircraft that could be used to move additional lifesaving, medical, or other high priority capabilities.”