RMO supports AT-6 weapons integration

  • Published
  • By Teresa Walker
  • 56th Fighter Wing Range Management
LUKE AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. --  Capable, affordable, sustainable. Now there's an enduring concept that once devised, has never gone away.

The Air National Guard/Air Force Reserve Test Center, a tenant unit on Tucson Air National Guard Base, was organized around the concept of capable, affordable, and sustainable weapons and weapons systems. AATC conducts operational tests on behalf of each Air Force major command and is postured to take advantage of many aircraft modernization efforts - which fits perfectly when it comes to the AT-6.

The AT-6, manufactured by Hawker-Beechcraft, is undergoing testing for consideration as a light attack aircraft. A light attack airplane fills the need for surveillance and strike capabilities without the high cost of a jet. The AT-6 is also being considered for a companion trainer for close air support.

There are two spirals of testing the AT-6; the first, now complete, was focused on mission avionics and the second spiral, weapons integration, is now being performed on the Barry M. Goldwater Range. The proximity to the test center, the availability of the adjacent Gila Bend Auxiliary Field to stage the operation, combined with the administrative capacities of 56th Fighter Wing Range Management office, provided a perfect confluence to accomplish the second spiral of testing.

The AT-6 test mission was assigned to Lt. Col. Keith Colmer, AATC director of engineering and developmental test pilot.

"We didn't really fit in well with the other ranges with regard to weapons integration," Colonel Colmer said. "The big thing for us is that the Range Management Office has been so flexible. They allow us to go out and do this testing, which allows the Air Force to procure data that we wouldn't otherwise be able to acquire. The Goldwater Range with RMO support is a win-win."

The ability to support AATC with minimal impact to normal day-to-day operations is important to the RMO and Air Force, according to Chas Buchanan, 56th FWRMO director of operations.

"Having an operational auxiliary field for forward base operations and the close proximity of a controlled range enhances the overall project," Mr. Buchanan said. "Weapons impact scoring capabilities on a controlled range provide necessary information to Colonel Colmer's team as well."

AATC had to plan for about a year before they started the testing to insure a solid strategy for the operational assessment.

Mission avionics consisted of evaluation of different flying events, close air support, combat search and rescue, forward air control, and joint terminal attack controller training.

That portion of testing culminated in October 2010 with A-10 and F-16 pilots from Edwards Air Force Base, Calif., Nellis AFB, Nev., and Eglin AFB, Fla., providing input about the airplane's capabilities.

Weapons integration testing includes BDU-33 inert bombs, 2.75 rockets - sticking to the weapons that an A-10 and F-16 normally use - and a 50-cal. gun has been added.

"No surprises, everything is going as expected," said Colonel Colmer. "A few hung rockets, and with the 50-cal., the biggest thing we've learned is that this airplane is bounced around a bit more. But, at the end of the day, things are going well."

In June and July, laser guided bombs will be tested on an operational training range. October brings laser rockets, and Hellfire missiles at Eglin and Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake, Calif.

"These test results are being used to refine requirements and provide the decision makers with a database of information designed to enlighten them on how light attack aircraft works," Colonel Colmer said.

The numerous benefits of the AT-6 include integrated communications with data link and precision strike capabilities from the A-10C. The result is a plug-and-play mission system adaptable to custom configurations. The cost to operate the AT-6 is minimal, loiter time is extended, it can accommodate a wide range of munitions, and it's interoperable with fighters and bombers.

There are civil benefits as well to this airplane. The operational assessment included a broad spectrum of domestic missions including customs and border patrol support, disaster area response, counter drug and homeland defense.