60K loader receives new upgrade at the 386th

An Airman driving a Tunner 60K Loader demonstrates the new upgrades it has received at an undisclosed location in Southwest Asia, Jan. 2, 2019. The new upgrades consist of implementing a new collision avoidance system to safeguard the loaders and operators. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Daryn Murphy)

60K loader receives new upgrade at the 386th

A monitor displays what is behind the Tunner 60K Loader at an undisclosed location in Southwest Asia, Jan. 2, 2019. The newly installed cameras are wired into the electrical system of the K-Loader and the video feed is sent to a monitor in the cabin wirelessly to assist the driver in seeing any possible hazards in the blind spots. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Daryn Murphy)

60K loader receives new upgrade at the 386th

Upgraded safety equipment to the Tunner 60K Loaders includes the backup camera pictured at an undisclosed location in Southwest Asia, Jan. 2, 2019. The new upgrades consist of implementing a new collision avoidance system to safeguard the loaders and operators. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Daryn Murphy)

60K loader receives new upgrade at the 386th

An Airman uses the backup monitor display while backing up the Tunner 60K Loader at an undisclosed location in Southwest Asia, Jan. 2, 2019. Although the camera provides the driver a view of what is behind them, they will still use the traditional spotter to assist in guiding. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Daryn Murphy)

60K loader receives new upgrade at the 386th

The recently added camera provides operators a view of what is directly behind them on a Tunner 60K Loader at an undisclosed location in Southwest Asia, Jan. 2, 2019. The new is part of an implementation of a new collision avoidance system meant to safeguard the loaders and their operators as they move cargo to and from the flightline. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Daryn Murphy)

60K loader receives new upgrade at the 386th

Published Jan. 13, 2019
By Staff Sgt. Daryn Murphy
386th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs

SOUTHWEST ASIA -- Aerial porters have a vital role in the Area of Responsibility to assure supplies move downrange at a rapid rate. With the day in and day out transportation of everything from vehicles to missiles, these airmen use the Tunner 60K Loaders to ensure these mission essential necessities make it to their final destinations.

Currently, aerial porters from the 386th Expeditionary Logistics Readiness Squadron are implementing a new collision avoidance system to safeguard the loaders and their operators as they move cargo to and from the flightline.

“We always have a rear spotter when backing up and usually they are on the left hand side, so it’s another set of eyes especially when there’s cargo on the loader,” said Staff Sergeant Adam Huffman, a 386th ELRS ramp operations supervisor. “With our new camera installed, it allows us to see what we could possibly tail swipe into that could cause damage to the loader or someone else.”

With a focus from the Air Force on cost-effective modernization and innovation, the squadron decided to be proactive and develop a low cost solution to avoid hazards while operating the large loaders.

“We’ve consistently had issues with the blind side, the right side, of the loader and we were trying to find ways to creatively solve the issue locally,” said Captain Anthony King, 386th ELRS aerial port flight commander. “So we came up with the idea of a camera that could be installed by the ELRS vehicle maintenance flight personnel.”

The newly installed cameras are wired into the electrical system of the K-Loader and the video feed is sent to a monitor in the cabin wirelessly to assist the driver in seeing any possible hazards in the blind spots.

“Whenever we’re taught how to drive these things, they taught us that the number one cause of accidents is tail swiping,” said Huffman. “With the camera added, you can clearly see if you’re going to run into something before it’s too late.”

The installation of the camera system helps to realize the Air Force’s priority of cost effectively modernizing existing equipment while reducing the risks to Airmen and ensuring the delivery of decisive airpower of the 386th Air Expeditionary Wing.