Team Dover, Boeing talk new tech

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Nicole Leidholm
  • 436th Airlift Wing Public Affairs

Members of the Boeing Global Services business development team met with Team Dover Airmen at the Bedrock Innovation Lab on Dover Air Force Base, Delaware, Nov. 15, 2021, to discuss new available technology.

During the industry and demonstration visit, the Boeing team showcased new and emerging capabilities for mission generators, operators and leaders and explained how they could be applied to the C-17 Globemaster III to increase mission readiness.

“The visit was an educational opportunity for our Airmen to understand future digital capabilities that can revolutionize the way they accomplish their jobs and increase efficiency,” said Maj. Ryan Nichol, 436th Airlift Wing Bedrock Innovation Lab chief of innovation. “When we can automate processes and increase efficiency, Airmen are afforded the time to leverage their talents to innovate new ideas.”

Bedrock is a hub designed to inspire a culture of innovation by leveraging available technology to empower Airmen to come up with off-the-shelf solutions to Air Force challenges, bridging the gap between Dover Airmen and industry experts.

The Boeing team provided demonstrations on virtual and augmented reality training for maintenance and aircrew personnel. This included the C-17 mission computer trainer, a comprehensive training solution for aircrew and loadmasters with advanced simulation, courseware and computer-based training to complete a range of tasks required for tactical military airlift operations and humanitarian missions, as well as aerial refueling and emergency procedures.

“The presentations were all very informative,” said Col. Bary Flack, 436th Maintenance Group commander. “It was great to have the Boeing partners here to see the possibilities for ways to get after the sustainment of our aircraft and aircrews.”

Flack was particularly interested in the virtual maintenance and aircrew trainer, a virtual reality simulation used to train Airmen on different skills needed, which could increase mission effectiveness by providing more hands-on training.

“As Air Mobility Command and the Air Force are working towards digitization, it was a great opportunity to see all the potential available,” said Flack. “All the different types of systems that were showcased during the visit are right along the lines of trying to develop a digitized way of doing our business so our Airmen can do their jobs smarter and more efficiently.”

Nichol emphasized how the evolution of technology has made it important to hold events such as the Boeing Industry Day.

“From mixed reality maintenance to mobility asset tracking, technology and automation has exponentially evolved,” said Nichol. “As the Air Force continues to advance, industry engagements highlight what is possible and these industry engagement events help to foster a culture of innovation that we need at all levels of our force.”