Industries to get to know JSTARS Published Aug. 15, 2014 By Brian Shreve Robins Public Affairs ROBINS AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. -- The 116th and 461st Air Control wings are set to host an Air Force Industry Day Monday, as part of an effort that aims to eventually replace the aging fleet and enhance the planes' capabilities. Representatives from 31 companies are expected to arrive at Robins for the event, which seeks to showcase the Joint Surveillance Target Attack Radar System aircraft and provide education to industries on the planes and its mission. Participating industries - many of which have never been privy to JSTARS - include plumbing, radar building, software and communications companies. "It's important for the defense industry to understand the broad scope of mission sets the E-8C JSTARS currently perform as they compete and attempt to meet acquisition requirements," said Col. Kevin Clotfelter, 116th ACW commander. "It's best they hear firsthand from the men and women who've employed the current weapons system." Though no bidding will take place at this point, the potential contractors will become acquainted with what designs are needed for the systems and how the equipment is used, all for the sake of being prepared when actual bidding does begin, possibly next year, according to Col. William Gould, 461st ACW vice commander. "Once they have a better understanding of what we do, they can go back and propose what they would do with re-placement aircraft and what systems they would include," he said. Robins was chosen to host the event by Air Combat Command at Langley Air Force Base, Va., and the program office at Hanscom Air Force Base, Mass. The day will begin with a welcome from Clotfelter before guests receive a mission brief, a plane tour and a training system demonstration. The event will also include an open forum for questions participants may have concerning the equipment. "We hope all the industry partners interested in pursuing this effort to bid will have all their questions answered," said Gould. "We can help them understand these missions and what they're doing with the airframes so we can meet senior leaders' timelines in allowing the development of replacement airplanes." JSTARS - operating on refurbished commercial 707 airframes - have been known as a consistent asset for the Air Force since they were first flown during Operation Desert Storm in 1991.