Fairchild Airman finds error in ICODES, increasing mission efficiency

  • Published
  • By : Airman 1st Class Lawrence Sena
  • 92nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs

An Airman from the 92nd Logistics Readiness Squadron here identified a critical error within the Integrated Computerized Deployment System, April 2018.

Staff Sgt. Daniel Clanton, 92nd LRS Air Transportation Operations supervisor, discovered that the “palletized cargo measuring algorithm” within ICODES, which measures the ability for cargo to be loaded onto an aircraft, was incorrect.

Prior to this discovery, the algorithm supplied inaccurate data reports on the KC-135 Stratotanker’s ability to carry and transport cargo.

“The system would alert us that the cargo would not fit,” said Clanton. “However, the technical order for the aircraft states otherwise. After discovering this, I contacted the functional manager for ICODES to address the issue as well as notify him that the system was not accounting for the ‘rolling-stock’, which allows the cargo to be moved along the cabin of the aircraft.”

ICODES is the Department of Defense’s cross-service system for cargo planning, and it provides intelligent decision-support to users, determining whether or not a cargo load can fit onto an aircraft.

Fairchild’s ability to be a deployable unit increases with its capability to transport more cargo than what would have previously been reported in the ICODES system, said Clanton.

Prior to discovering the error, in the event that cargo is unable to be loaded onto the aircraft, extra external sources and equipment had to be used to transport it.

“We were having to load and transport equipment deemed unable to load, using extra trailers”, said Senior Master Sgt. Shawn Cain, 92nd LRS Deployment and Distribution Flight superintendent. “Now, the equipment that could not be loaded because of the malfunction, can be loaded onto the KC-135, mitigating the need to transport equipment through commercial carriers to the same destination as the aircraft.”

Discovering and correcting the error in the system’s algorithm opened up the utilization of the KC-135’s cargo-carrying capabilities, allowing the mission to be performed more efficiently, said Cain.

This correction has allowed the movement of critical equipment on the aircraft, eliminating a need to utilize commercial carriers and saving an approximate $1,200 each time the equipment needs to be deployed in support of exercise and real-world scenarios.

The innovative abilities of Airmen to modernize mission capabilities is what helps keep mobility forces prepared and able to perform the mission with success.

As a result of Clanton’s vigilance and innovative thinking, Fairchild can improve its KC-135s’ capabilities to successfully accomplish its mission in extending Global Reach.