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View from the boom operator’s seat
To make a product that meets the demanding operational needs of a customer like the U.S. Air Force, you have to understand how they fly, fight and fuel. That’s where Air Force veterans like Don Cash come in. Cash is the A330 MRTT Project Test Boomer for EADS/Airbus Military in Getafe, Spain. His three decades of refueling experience have been extremely valuable in developing and testing the refueling systems that EADS North America is offering on the KC-45 – systems designed with the American warfighter in mind.
Q. What exactly does a boom operator do?
Don: A boom operator, or “boomer,” is the member of the tanker aircrew who performs in-flight refueling of other aircraft. I direct receiver aircraft into refueling position while flying at speeds of up to 325 knots, and operate the in-flight air refueling controls to safely make contact between the tanker and receiver aircraft.
While the tanker and receiver aircraft are connected, or coupled, the boom is actually ‘flown’ by the Boom Computer Unit (BCU) using input from sensors in the nozzle tip. At this point, the boomer guards the flight control stick and monitors the control panel for proper equipment operation.
During this process I maintain communication with both the tanker pilot and the receiver pilot: I update the tanker pilot of the progress of the refueling operations and advise the receiver pilot on any actions required to safely maintain position within the air-refueling envelope. To ensure everything goes smoothly in the air, I perform many system checks and inspections prior to, during and after the flight.
Boomers also are responsible for the loading and unloading of cargo on the tanker, making sure weight is balanced, the load is secure, and everything is compliant with regulations and operating limits. Finally, we ensure there are adequate safety equipment and passenger comfort items aboard the aircraft and instruct any passengers in use of emergency equipment and procedures.
Air-to-air refueling is a very dynamic environment. A momentary lapse in concentration during the refueling process could be disastrous to both the receiver aircrew and tanker aircrew; therefore, complete focus on the task at hand is essential for success.
Q. How many years have you been doing this job?
Don: I have been a "boomer" for more than 30 wonderful years. I’ve had the opportunity to do something that very few people have, with a military career that culminated at the United States Air Force Flight Test Center.
My dream had always been to be stationed at Edwards AFB. While I was there, I had opportunities to refuel, for the very first time, various types of experimental aircraft: B-2, C-17, F-22, and NASA X-planes — essentially every type of air-to-air refueling platform. I also had the opportunity to conduct the very first refuelings with, and certifications of, the camera vision system, which is an early precursor to our current system.
Now, as the MRTT Project Test Boomer, I’ve had the opportunity to share my expertise with the EADS-Airbus Military team here in Getafe, Spain, and we are striving every day to provide the best product for the warfighter.
Q. How many different models of receiver aircraft have you refueled?
Don: I have refueled every type of boom/receptacle receiver from the F-105 Thunderchief through the F-22; this includes the SR-71 and other special aircraft.
Q. Have you worked with any other refueling aircraft?
Don: Yes. I have flight-test and refueling experience in all boom-equipped aircraft, both direct-view and camera-view. I have worked extensively on the KC-135 and KC-10.
Q: How does refueling differ in the A330 Multi Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) compared to other tankers such as the KC-135 or KC-10?
Don: The MRTT’s refueling system is superior to other platforms that I have experienced. The duties of the boomer, or Aerial Refueling Operator (ARO), are the same as they are in the KC-135 or KC-10; however, in the MRTT we are more of a ‘systems operator’ thanks to the incorporation of the latest automation technology.
Because of this automation, the ARO now has greater information available to make assessments. The system in the MRTT will indicate whether or not the refueling operation can be performed. It is even designed to continue operating under degraded conditions; only under extreme situations will the system not allow you to continue air refueling.
Situational awareness in the MRTT is superior by far, with 180 degrees of vision available to the ARO. The enhanced vision system lets the operator see all aspects of the operation along with specific details such as the mating of the receiver probe with the drogue.
Another benefit boomers appreciate is the system’s continuous health monitoring. The all-electric boom is state of the art; truly a pure digital system. Once the operator is trained and familiar with the system, its behavior is quite predictable.
All of these systems give the operator a higher degree of efficiency compared to other tankers. Is this a system for the future? You bet!
Q. How does the MRTT crew configuration facilitate coordination and mission accomplishment?
Don: The cockpit layout has the ARO in the cockpit, meaning he or she is an active participant during takeoff, landing, and cruising. While in the cockpit, the ARO serves as an additional set of eyes and ears for the crew. He is constantly monitoring their systems as well as his own systems, and providing additional assistance with other activities such as cargo, passengers, and litter patients.
In other air refueling platforms, the boomer is located solo in the rear of the aircraft, and he is required to communicate with the crew via the interphone during refueling. The interphone is a vital link from the front of the aircraft to the back; without it, you are left guessing what and where the receiver aircraft’s actions are. This could be disastrous during an emergency.
Since the ARO is in the cockpit during all phases of flight, Crew Resource Management is optimized.The MRTT configuration includes the VOX system, which allows constant communication within the cockpit by all participants. If immediate communications are required during an in-flight situation and the communication link is lost, the ARO can simply turn to the Captain and provide the necessary information.
Q. What sort of training is required to operate a boom?
Don: The training approach is similar to other digital fly-by-wire systems. Classroom knowledge is reinforced with computer-based training in a simulator. We use a build-up approach; little bites of the sandwich rather than devouring the sandwich in large bites. Once the student has demonstrated proficiency in handling the boom during the Ground Academics phase, he or she progresses to the flight phase, performing actual contacts and disconnects with various receiver aircraft. We have seen that with adequate training, both in the classroom and in the simulator, the student can move directly into the aircraft and perform satisfactorily.
Q. What do you like best about the A330 MRTT system?
Don: My favorite feature is the enhanced vision system and alerting. With it, I can see everything that is happening around me and I can stay informed about the system´s health, especially when there is a potential for a problem.
Q. Is there anything else people usually ask you about your job?
Don: Surprisingly, not many people are aware of the role of the tanker aircraft, simply because most people think of fighter-type aircraft in combat. Of course, fighters can´t get to the fight without tankers! When we are a long way from home with no place to land, we become the fighter "jocks’” best friends.
