Air Warrior Col. John W. Thompson - KMI Media Group

Q: Do you have any interest or a need
for a new airframe like the UH-72A
or others?
A: We are always interested in any
aircraft innovation that allows us to
add value to the special operations
ground forces we support. There have
been several recent developments that
allow rotary aircraft to increase speed,
capacity and safety.
Right now, our current fleet of
aircraft still affords us the right mix
of light, medium and heavy airframes.
We are in a continuous planning and
execution cycle of modification and
modernization; this is very much a
process and not an event. Special
operations aviation relies on the creative,
innovative nature of the aerospace
industry and we monitor their
efforts closely. Each advance is another
input into our decision cycle for
future capabilities.
Q: Recently the 160th gained a new
component in the quick reaction
capability, operating unmanned aerial vehicles. Do you see this
as the first step in an expansion of UAS capabilities within the
regiment and USASOC?
A: The newly formed E Company, 160th SOAR (A), or quick reaction
capability, provides USASOC with a much-needed, organic, extendedrange
unmanned aerial systems capability. The QRC will have a habitual
relationship with a Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force
embedded processing/exploitation/dissemination element. This will
provide the ground force commander with intelligence, surveillance,
reconnaissance and fires assets during critical moments in combat.
Our experience in forming the QRC will aid in future acquisition of
additional, permanent UAS units assigned to the Army Special Operations
Aviation Command.
Q: Aging aircraft are certainly an issue in the Air Force. Is
it an issue for you? What are some of the more important
programs you run your helicopters through to keep them airworthy
and modernized? Do you see any problems with aircraft reaching
their end of serviceable life before a replacement program is ready?
A: Age certainly is a challenge for any aviation outfit. Nine years of
combat operations have accelerated our fleet’s aging process. Aircraft
age is not only a factor of time, but a combination of flight regimes,
environments, mission tasks and attention to maintenance. Because
we have been continuously deployed, our maintenance experts recognized
this aging process and implemented several programs such
as reset and deep-cycle maintenance procedures during scheduled
maintenance events. These initiatives have slowed the aging process.
The 160th continues to modernize our fleet through a rotating
block modification program. We recognize the importance of maintaining
the technological edge and seek ways to continually enhance
22 | SOTECH 8.9
In rotary wing operations, a helo hovers above a Navy ship deck. [Photo courtesy of DoD]
the crew members’ abilities to keep the aircraft serviceable. Using the
Special Operations Forces Support Activity located in Lexington, Ky.,
our aircraft rotate through an upgrade program approximately every
three years. One example of a technology insertion is the health and
usage monitoring system. This system gives aircrews and maintainers
continual awareness of the health and state of the aircraft allowing for
preventative rather than reactive maintenance.
The fleet’s serviceable life is not simply reflected by an end date.
As the aircraft are strained, their maintenance will inevitably become
more intensive. Like all complex systems, this will become evident by
increased repair cost and reduced availability. Each service faces this
challenge and develops strategies for fleet modification and modernization
based on overall priorities.
Q: Last I knew, you had five combat mission simulators. Is this
enough to meet your current demands? Do you have a simulator
roadmap that plots out a long term acquisition strategy for
your simulators?
A: Regiment still has five configurable simulators located
at Fort Campbell. Simulator time remains in high demand
and is intensively managed, ensuring maximum utility to meet
our unique training needs. We are currently researching options to
provide on-site simulation training systems for our units located at
Hunter Army Airfield, Ga., and Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash.
Requirements for training systems are included in continuous
force modernization analysis within the regiment. Our
simulator acquisition roadmap parallels our aircraft acquisition
roadmap. Each reflects a balance of modernization and modification,
based on mission needs and the resource environment.
We strive to sustain 100 percent cockpit concurrency with our flight
line aircraft.
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