Travis maintainers test technology to improve situational awareness

  • Published
  • 60th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron
TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  Travis maintainers recently hosted the Air Mobility Battlelab, which explores high-payoff concepts, technologies and tactics to advance the Air Force distinctive capabilities of rapid global mobility and agile combat support. 

Together, they field-demonstrated wireless intercommunication devices for aircraft maintenance ground operations. 

The test effort, coordinated by 1st Lt. Steve LeBlanc, 60th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron aircraft support flight officer in charge, consisted of C-5 and KC-10 ground operations such as towing, jacking, engine runs and inspections. 

These evaluations were the culmination of nearly two years of work initiated by the previous Maintenance Group Deputy Commander Col. Dennis Daley. 

He identified the TruLink intercommunication devices at an Airlift Tanker Association conference as a potential tool to help maintainers perform their daily functions more efficiently and more importantly, safer. 

His vision of wireless communications on the Travis flightline is now one step closer to reality. 

TruLink is a system that enhances communications and increases operator safety where mobility and clear communications are critical for operations. 

Besides being able to operate reliably in high noise environments and being resistant to shock, vibration, moisture, sand, dust and extreme temperatures, TruLink extends the range of communications of the wired intercom systems of the aircraft. 

It differs from traditional two-way radios because it allows a group of users to communicate simultaneously rather than having to wait for a break in the conversation. 

Additionally, it enables stand-alone wireless intercom able to provide group conferencing for up to seven people at one time. 

Rapid global mobility and agile combat support, two distinctive capabilities Travis maintainers provide on a daily basis, are made possible by their ability to communicate clearly and effectively. Unfortunately, current methods and hardware present challenges.
Maintenance ground operations such as towing, jacking and engine runs require individuals to be in contact with each other using radio communication or hand signals. Radio communication is maintained one of two ways: using a land mobile radio [requires the use of a free hand] or connecting to the aircraft intercom system using 50 to 100 feet cords which allows large amounts of ambient sound to permeate the channel. Hand signals are only effective where there is line-of-sight with teammates and where lighting and visibility are good. 

The use of TruLink allows maintainers to communicate hands-free [using standard-issue David Clark headsets or aftermarket ear pieces] without being “walked on” and have unrestricted movement normally limited by the cumbersome long-cord. The system also offers automatic noise cancellation, which all but eliminates ambient noise.
During the three-day test, maintainers from the 60th AMXS, 660th AMXS, and 60th Equipment Maintenance Squadron were invited to test the equipment’s capabilities during various scenarios. 

“TruLink was well received by the maintainers; the troops expressed great interest in the system and felt it would really help them in their day-to-day operations. They appreciated the fact that they were able to move in and around the aircraft unrestricted while keeping clear and sustained communication with their teammates,” said Lieutenant LeBlanc. 

Maj. Chad Scholes, 60th AMXS maintenance operations officer, deployed to Sri Lanka last year to support C-5 operations for tsunami relief and tested several of the TruLink devices in the austere environment. 

“The wireless communication devices were a true force multiplier for our maintainers at a location that did not have land mobile radios. More importantly, the voice-activated, hands-free wireless tools provided an additional layer of safety during a challenging engine change. Hand signals are still essential when performing certain actions but to have the ability to say ‘stop’ without having to push a button or blow a whistle that might not be heard over the noise is invaluable,” said Major Scholes. 

The technology may bring new possibilities; however, “ideas don’t fix jets … troops do!” said Col. Keith Frede, 60th Maintenance Group commander. “Like I always say, having a good idea is the easy part ... channeling the efforts out to our team to support/be the war fighter is what leadership is all about.” 

The Air Mobility Battlelab will take their results on the TruLink and brief the Air Mobility Command vice commander who will make the final determination on fielding.