Before that, instructors used 'stick aircraft - wooden models of aircraft used to demonstrate maneuvers,' Mr. The pods were introduced into the Air Force in 1974. Our job is to maintain the components by working with item managers, equipment specialists, system engineers and technicians. 'By the time a pilot engages a real-world enemy, their instincts regarding air-to-air combat or providing ground support are second nature. 'The data gathered using these pods provides real-time, detailed feedback,' Mr. 'We have air superiority over Iraq and other areas of the world, in part, due to the training our pilots can get with this system. 'This is one of the primary reasons - training wise - that we've produced the most capable air superiority force in the world,' said Steve Halverson of the 309th EMXG. This is where the importance of the 309th Electronics Maintenance Group comes into play as pod maintainers.

Success in gathering information and increasing knowledge is a matter of life or death in the defense business. Essentially, it's a means to evaluate an aircrew's tactical air combat maneuvers and their tactics employment.' 'They help interject high-intensity exposure to realistic combat scenarios, which allow for operational realism. 'ACTS pods are used to improve aircrew proficiency,' said Thomas Nicholson, system support manager with the 84th Space and C3I Sustainment Group here. Back on the ground, the information is dissected and used to debrief the crew on what they did well and what they could improve on. The pods, which look like an air-to-air missile, collect data as the aircraft negotiates training scenarios. In the case of fighter pilots, this knowledge enables them to control adversaries in the air and on the ground.Īt the Ogden Air Logistics Center, the collection of information leading to air superiority begins with maintaining Air Combat Training System pods. HILL AIR FORCE BASE, Utah (AFPN) - Knowledge is power and power is influence. Ogden Air Logistics Center Public Affairs.

Air combat maneuvers