GIANT BOOM Test. Enlisted Radar/Systems Operator KC-135.

Tests were conducted to determine the feasibility of replacing the navigator on the KC-135 crew with an enlisted radarsystems operator while at the same time maintaining mission effectiveness. This crew composition was based on the results of the previous dual Inertial Navigation System INS test, Giant Change. Results of that test indicated that reducing the crew complement to three, with the copilot assuming navigation duties utilizing a dual INS, was not feasible. Additional workloads imposed on the pilot and copilot during some phases of flight created potential safety problems. To alleviate this condition, a fourth enlisted crew member was added to perform the duties of safety observer and systems operator. The test crew consisted of a pilot, copilot, radarsystems operator, and a boom operator. The exercise term assigned the test was Giant Boom. Fourteen productive missions were flown. It was concluded that addition of the 4th crew member, a specially trained enlisted radarsystems operator, reduced pilot overload conditions during emergencies and critical phases of flight. Although workloads on the pilots were increased during certain phases of the flight because of navigation responsibilities, at no time did pilotcopilot overload consitute a discernible safety problem.