Knocking our armed forces politically - then there is this.

[Engineman1960]

This article includes pictures (it gives perspective on the tire change task).

https://www.wearethemighty.com/mighty-tactical/change-tires-air-force-plane/
The most tires, I ( and the other guy I work with) ever changed on an overnight check was 4 ( 2 mains and 2 nose tires plus 2 brakes-- MD80)

 

[BillM]

Having been involved in new minor systems procurements (less than a billion initial cost), I have seen up close and personal how initial support equipment is planned and executed:
1. Oh by the way, we need some support equipment.
2. We're over budget; how much of the existing SE can we use?

3. So what if it's all in use elsewhere already. That's somebody else's problem.

 

[Rod Snell]

3. So what if it's all in use elsewhere already. That's somebody else's problem.

I wish! All the initial Support Equipment (SE), tech data, spares are paid for with the Code 3080 procurement money authorized by Congress, and many new systems programs "solve" their budget shortfalls by identifying "common in use" tools that aren't really suitable. That's how you wind up with things like a wheel wrench that is awkward and dangerous to use.
Or a Tactical Radar with an antenna sawed in half so it can store in a standard Army S-12 shelter already approved for carrying on a C-130. (This less-than optimal solution solved both a budget shortfall and a two-year program delay because the Tulsa, OK shelter contractor defaulted on his contract).

 

[Snattlerake]

I hate to bring this up, but the document in the link at the top of the original post isn't about new tools for the military.

Ooooopsies!

https://www.dvidshub.net/news/341324/afrl-team-invents-cargo-aircraft-tire-change-tool

 

[Shadowrider]

Way cool, I've been on a lot of C5A tire changes. Off topic, I really hated summer in Altus when the wind was outta the south.

Seems nothing has changed. My dad (from Oklahoma) hated Altus too. He got himself transferred to Labrador, Canada. In the winter time! I still have his parka. Goose Bay he liked, they got to fly out and fish remote lakes a lot.

 

[ira41magfan]

Seems nothing has changed. My dad (from Oklahoma) hated Altus too. He got himself transferred to Labrador, Canada. In the winter time! I still have his parka. Goose Bay he liked, they got to fly out and fish remote lakes a lot.

Canada would've been nice, I ended up in Northern Maine in 1977.