Commentary>>AMP combines Active Duty, ANG resources

By Lt. Col. Rick Richard
189th Airlift Wing pilot

The 314th and 189th Airlift Wings are now combining work efforts more than ever before. Recently, Air National Guard members from the 154th Training Squadron have joined the ranks of subject matter experts at the 714th Training Squadron. Master Sgt. Adam Kavan and I are now working side by side with fellow 314th Airmen in the development of the C-130 avionics modernization program.

This program modifies the C-130 fleet of combat delivery aircraft with the most advanced avionics. Additions to the venerable Herk include heads up displays, terrain advisory and warning system, dual mission processors, upgraded radar system, automated flight control panels, digital datalink capability and numerous safety and situational awareness features.

The Arkansas Air National Guard currently has two crews assisting in the developmental test program of the three initial C-130 amp aircraft at Edwards AFB, Ca. The 714 TRS currently has two pilots and two flight engineers type 1 trained in the AMP and are working with Lockheed Martin on courseware development. Type 1 training means that the crew members are qualified to fly the aircraft with an instructor aboard. The first simulator is scheduled to arrive here in late March and the first aircraft is scheduled to arrive in the fall this year.

The most exciting advances in our C-130 fleet are fast approaching. The men and women of Little Rock AFB, guard and active, are mutually engaged in developing C-130AMP operational tactics and training. Together, we will transition legacy crews into C-130 amp crews in order to safely and effectively execute future combat delivery missions worldwide.