ABMs learning what F-35s need

TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- In another move forward with the F-35, air battle managers from the 337th Air Control Squadron have begun working with the plane. The F-35s, based at nearby Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., require a different set of operating rules than other fighters. The new set of rules are being written by air battle manager instructors who have had the chance to control the F-35. Air battle managers provide pilots with information they may not have, like vectors to the nearest refueling tanker or the number of enemy aircraft in an area. Information a pilot may need varies from aircraft to aircraft. Air battle managers must know the different capabilities of each aircraft. Air battle managers go through nine months of training at the 337th ACS at Tyndall, home to the Air Force's other fifth generation fighter, the F-22 Raptor. (Source: 325th Fighter Wing, 09/24/13)