Air Force Ground Support Equipment - (3) Multipurpose Explosive Ordnance Disposal Vehicle

Multipurpose Explosive Ordnance Disposal Vehicle

Mobile Tactical Air Navigation Equipment (TACAN)

[Monthly Defense Times Editor-in-Chief An Seung-beom] When thinking of the Air Force, various aircraft such as fighter jets, transport planes, early warning control aircraft, and aerial refueling tankers come to mind. However, operating these aircraft requires various support equipment. The Air Force operates numerous support vehicles to assist its aircraft, including target drones, aircraft guidance vehicles, runway sweepers, and snow removal equipment. The equipment introduced here are support vehicles that work behind the scenes to ensure smooth operations and mission execution for our Air Force.

The multipurpose explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) vehicle is operated by the EOD team of the air wing and is a modified commercial van. It is equipped with an EOD robot, bomb disposal suits, and storage/workspaces for various equipment, as well as an emergency generator and distribution panel to provide power anytime and anywhere. It is often seen at sites where unexploded ordnance is discovered.

The mobile Tactical Air Navigation system (TACAN) replaces the fixed TACAN equipment operated at air bases. When the fixed navigation equipment is out of service due to malfunction, damage, or emergency runway landings and takeoffs, the tactical navigation equipment is moved and used. It provides aircraft with runway location, distance, and other information to assist with landings and takeoffs. Mounted on a 1¼-ton standard vehicle, it offers excellent mobility. Our Air Force operates it through the 7th Air Communications Group’s Tactical Mobile Navigation Company and also undertakes support missions for events involving Air Force aircraft, such as Armed Forces Day and air shows.