USAF to retrain WSOs as B-21 pilots

The U.S. Air Force is planning to retrain some of its weapons systems officers (WSO) from the bomber track as pilots for B-21 stealth bomber.

Capt. Kent Johnson, 23rd Bomb Squadron weapons system officer, analyses a multi-function color display inside a B-52H Stratofortress above North Dakota, Jan. 31, 2017. Johnson along with another weapons system officer, sit in the offense compartment of the aircraft, controlling the B-52’s weapons capabilities. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman J.T. Armstrong)

Maj. Gen. Mark E. Weatherington, 8th Air Force commander, said this will reduce that number of weapons systems officers in the B-1 and B-52 fleet by one-third to a half.

These WSO will have to learn how to takeoff and land the aircraft; carry out aerial refueling and some skills to maneuver the jet.

Weatherington added that having these WSOs as pilots will help reduce the shortage in number of pilots.

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