JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, N.J. -- AMC Test and Evaluation Squadron Test Directors from Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, NJ, rolled out a new innovation to enhance a tactics evaluation of the C-130 H/J Combat Offload Method C from 10-14 September 2018 at Little Rock AFB, AR. The test was conducted with the support of the 19th and the 189th Airlift Wings there.
Unique to this evaluation was the use of an innovation recently developed within AMCTES and funded through the $64 million Air Force Squadron Innovation Fund. This initiative, announced in January 2018 by Gen. David Goldfein “to promote problem solving and cutting edge technological improvements on a squadron level,” enables squadron commanders and airmen to “test, experiment, and innovate.”
The proof-of-concept prototype, aptly named the Micro Data Acquisition tool or µDAQ for short, was developed by AMCTES Test Director Capt David Peter. The µDAQ is a fully-customizable, modular data recording system used to collect and store test data electronically. This instrument enables test teams to capture more precise and accurate data parameters in digital form with the flexibility to optimize the sensors for the specific test requirements. A key element to this innovation is the use of 3D printing technology and a laser engraver to create test-specific data sensors and housings both quickly and with minimal cost.
“The result is an overall reduction in fabrication cost in both time and money. Electronics components may be reused or adapted for use in a custom enclosure,” said Capt Peter. “Due to the nature of most tests performed by AMCTES, currently available instrumentation and data collection device can be cost prohibitive. Many tests are one-time tests that do not warrant or have funds for the purchase of expensive data acquisition equipment.”
The maiden test for the µDAQ was the C-130H/J Combat Offload test. The purpose of the test was to evaluate the effectiveness and suitability of the tactics, techniques and procedures of two Combat Offload Method C operations aboard the C-130 H/J aircraft, said AMCTES Master Test Director, Master Sergeant William Gilmer.
The USAF uses the C-130 Hercules (H) and Super Hercules (J) aircraft primarily for tactical airlift missions. The aircraft is capable of operating from rough, dirt airstrips and is the prime transport for airdropping troops and equipment into hostile areas. Facilitating the AMC mission to provide rapid, global mobility and sustainment, as well as humanitarian support around the world, AMC must look to alternative methods enabling successful cargo offload in all terrains and conditions.
Traditionally, Combat Offload Methods A and B provide solutions when material handling equipment (MHE) is not available, however, both solutions present limitations preventing aircrew from maximizing effective cargo delivery to all locations.
“Method A requires 500-1000 ft. of ramp and/or taxiway space and is not always suitable for offloading fragile or sensitive cargo. Method B uses less ramp/taxiway space; however, the procedure requires availability of 55-gallon drums either positioned at the offload site, or transported on the aircraft,” said MSgt Gilmer.
Combat Offload Method C procedures combine aspects of Methods A and B enabling a controlled offload of single or multiple pallets as the situation dictates with minimal ramp/taxiway space and no external equipment or support required.
“As the aircraft taxied forward, test participant Loadmasters with the 19th and the 189th AWs at Little Rock offloaded test pallets on the lowered cargo ramps, controlling the descent speed using a winch, or draft strap, allowing gravity to carry each pallet until it cleared the ground loading ramps, in accordance with Method C offload procedures,” explained Gilmer.
The C-130H/J Combat Offload test served as the roll-out for AMCTES’ µDAQ, which was configured with accelerometers to collect and record G-force data; that is, the force on an object as it accelerates or, more importantly for this case, rapidly decelerates as the pallets impact the ground. Test Directors secured the accelerometers to the pallet floor on the aft edge of the heaviest and lightest pallets tested to capture impact force data experienced during offload.
Time and aircraft travel distance data were collected and recorded using traditional test techniques with a watch and a tape measure. Other data included height and weight of the pallets and fall distance from the aircraft ramp to the ground, all of which will be analyzed and included in the final report by AMCTES Test Directors.
The AMCTES test team also included Visual Information Specialist Lisa Elmo-Henske, who documented the offloads, providing visual data to corroborate the empirical data collected by the accelerometers. The reviewable visual data is crucial to fully evaluating effects on the cargo and pallets as they exit the aircraft, for example if the cargo were to shift on the pallet or possibly tip over.
The mission of the AMC Test and Evaluation Squadron, the sole operational test organization of Directorate of Test and Evaluation (HQ AMC/TE), Scott AFB, IL, is to ‘safely deliver timely, accurate, and objective data and analysis, providing proven warfighter solutions to the Command.’ The innovative µDAQ enables the collection of objective data while increasing both the accuracy and precision of the data needed to accomplish that mission and in this case, directly affecting AF Combat Operations with the C-130H/J aircraft. (See Figure 1.)
Figure 1. Graphic provided by AMCTES
AMCTES Test Directors accomplish operationally-representative testing to determine if capabilities have been satisfied, to assess system impacts, to identify deficiencies, and to make recommendations for enhancements that will improve performance. AMCTES operational testing ensures new ideas and requirements meet the operational needs of the warfighter, whether on a flight deck, in the maintenance shop, or anywhere on AMC installations, directly supporting the rapid, global mobility doctrine of today’s Air Force.