• AFRL creates safer-than-steel synthetic winch cable for cargo aircraft

    WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio – The C-17 Globemaster III aircraft fleet currently uses winch cables made of steel to pull pallets, vehicles and other items onto the aircraft from the ground via the aft ramp.The current steel cable experiences dangerous snapback upon breakage, which can

  • JB Charleston test new equipment, saves Air Force millions

    JOINT BASE CHARLESTON, S.C. -- An operational evaluation of new synthetic tiedowns and winch cables for the C-17 Globemaster III took place here Nov. 28 and 29. Tiedowns are ropes, cords, straps or chains that secure items during airlift operations. Winch cables help adjust the tension on tiedowns,