U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Tulsa District, recently completed construction of a flight training center complex on Altus AFB

By Edward JohnsonApril 7, 2023

Leverett Flight Training Center
Exterior view of the newly constructed Leverett Flight Training Center constructed by the U.S. Corps of Engineers, in partnership with contractors, as part of a multi-phase K46 A flight training center located on Altus Air Force base in northwestern Okla. The 28,490 square-foot, $24 million facility consists of flight simulators, high bay weapons system and boom operator training facilities and included the construction administrative, areas, dayrooms, classrooms, shelter in place areas and a visual threat recognition and avoidance night vision trainer. (Photo Credit: EDWARD N JOHNSON) VIEW ORIGINAL

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers recently completed construction of a 76,587 square-foot KC46A flight training center simulator facility on Altus Air Force Base as part of a multi-phase construction project to prepare tanker aircrews for flight operations. The $24 million FTC consists of high bay weapons system and boom operator training facilities, operations and administrative areas, dayrooms, classrooms, shelter in place are and a visual threat recognition and avoidance night vision trainer, all part of this multi-phase project consisting of five facilities.

KC46A Flight Simulators
One of the KC46A flight simulators installed in the Leverett Flight Training Center. The multi-phase training complex was recently constructed by the U.S. Corps of Engineers, in partnership with contractors, on Altus Air Force Base, located in southwestern Okla. (Photo Credit: EDWARD N JOHNSON) VIEW ORIGINAL

In other phases of the project, an 18,393 square-foot fuselage trainer was constructed at a cost of $5.3 million. As reported by the U.S. Air Force, the FuT is a physical replica of the KC-46A's main cargo deck from the forward entry door to the aft of the rear entry doors. The Altus FuT has fully functional controls, loading equipment and operable doors. Escape slides can even be activated for egress training.

KC46A Fuselage Trainer
An exterior view of an approximate 18,393 square-foot KC46A fuselage trainer constructed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Tulsa District, in partnership with various contracting firms. The facility serves as a physical replica of the KC-46A's main cargo deck from the forward entry door to the aft of the rear entry doors. The Altus FuT has fully functional controls, loading equipment and operable doors. Escape slides can even be activated for egress training. (Photo Credit: EDWARD N JOHNSON) VIEW ORIGINAL

All phases of the multi-structure complex training site were constructed at a cost approximately $29.3 million and the total complex consists of more than 123,000 square-feet of structures.

As reported by the U.S. Air Force, this type of facility serves as a physical replica of the KC-46A's main cargo deck from the forward entry door to the aft of the rear entry doors. The Altus FuT has fully functional controls, loading equipment and operable doors. Escape slides can even be activated for egress training.

KC46A Fuselage Trainer
An interior view of an approximate 18,393 square-foot KC46A fuselage trainer constructed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Tulsa District, in partnership with various contracting firms. The Fut serves as a physical replica of the KC-46A's main cargo deck from the forward entry door to the aft of the rear entry doors. The Altus FuT has fully functional controls, loading equipment and operable doors. Escape slides can even be activated for egress training. (Photo Credit: EDWARD N JOHNSON) VIEW ORIGINAL

According to Bruce White, a Tulsa District quality assurance representative and project lead for the Altus Resident Office, his most proud point of each phase of this project consisted of the ensuring the level of quality and detail required to meet flight safety training standards were met.

“I worked closely with USACE flight safety personnel and the Boeing representative to ensure a smooth delivery of each simulator device to include technical support for the catwalk systems, separate fire alarm and Very Early Smoke Detection Alarm system installations,” said White. “Temperature and humidity control systems also required a very tight range to meet simulator accessory tolerances.

As the Air Force puts it, the KC-46A Pegasus is the first phase in recapitalizing their aging tanker fleet. With greater refueling, cargo and aeromedical evacuation capabilities compared to the KC-135, the KC-46A will provide aerial refueling support to Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps and partner-nation receivers.

FKC46A Flight Training Center Classroom
One of several state-of-the-art classrooms constructed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Tulsa District, on Altus Air Force Base, in southwestern Okla., as part of flight and fuselage simulator complex for KC46A flight crews. (Photo Credit: EDWARD N JOHNSON) VIEW ORIGINAL

An Altus AFB spokesperson said the new flight simulator facility, named the Leverett Flight Training Center, will be vital to future Air Force aerial refueling and joint service operations since it will serve as the first stop for all KC-46 aircrew members.

“The USACE staff here has been amazing,” said Tony Valerio, the Altus flight training unit site manager for KC-46 aircrew training systems.

Valerio went on to say Bruce White with the USACE SW Altus Resident Office led the effort and is a true professional who should be very proud of the multiple facilities delivered.

“More importantly, the facilities were designed and built with further expansion in mind, based on potential future needs of the Air Force,” added Valerio.

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