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Metalbasher

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Everything posted by Metalbasher

  1. Very good possibility, especially since one of the options for the new JSTARS uses a G550.
  2. Compass Call cross-deck continues despite Bombardier protest 23 March, 2017 SOURCE: Flightglobal.com BY: Leigh Giangreco L3 Communications and the US Air Force will continue their Compass Call cross-deck effort, despite a recent protest from Bombardier over a possible sole-source contract. The protest will not affect the USAF’s Compass Call acquisition strategy, the service’s military deputy for the assistant secretary of the air force for acquisition says this week. L3 Communications will lead the US Air Force’s Compass Call cross-deck effort, which will transfer existing technology from the EC-130H onto a new aircraft, dubbed the EC-37B. “[L-3] will make the selection of the aircraft...and they will incorporate and put the mission systems into the platform,” Lt Gen Arnold Bunch said during a 22 March defense conference in Washington. L-3 will not be able to select the platform until Congress has passed the fiscal year 2017 defense spending bill. “But we have made the decision on how we’re going to go forward,” he says. “We’ve already signed all the paperwork off and what we’re waiting to do is get a bill and then we’ll go forward.” Last year, the USAF determined Gulfstream’s G550 conformal airborne early warning type the only suitable aircraft to host the Compass Call mission. That sparked concern from competitors Bombardier and Boeing, whose 737 Wedgetail and G6000 were nixed by the service. Bombardier filed a protest with the Government Accountability Office arguing the USAF’s decision and process for Compass Call was non-compliant with US government procurement rules. Boeing has not issued a bid protest. “The Air Force’s decision to move forward on the Compass Call program by awarding it to a sole source systems integrator and apparently indirectly to a single source aircraft platform is non-compliant with the procurement rules,” Bombardier tells FlightGlobal. “This process denies Bombardier of a fair opportunity to compete for this contract.” GAO dismissed the case as premature on 10 March, noting that there is consideration of a sole source contract but that the USAF has not yet issued a solicitation. Bombardier’s protest was anticipating improper action that hasn’t happened yet, a GAO spokesman tells FlightGlobal. However, the GAO did not make a ruling on the merits of Bombardier's protest and the company will have another opportunity to raise concerns with the procurement, Bombardier says. Bombardier argues the company demonstrated that all technical and schedule requirements could be fulfilled, but air force documents state the G6000 BACN does not meet aperture requirements without modification and will require a supplemental type certification that could incur up to $180 million in additional costs and a three-year schedule delay. The USAF also called the G6000’s payload capacity “marginally insufficient.” The USAF’s Compass Call requirements call for a total cargo capacity of 20,000lb including 13,000lb of prime mission equipment. The air force called out the Wedgetail’s aperture requirements and also stated the aircraft could not meet performance requirements without caveats. The Wedgetail must burn significant gas to reach its maximum 41,000ft altitude, trading loiter time for altitude, and is unable to meet both, according to the USAF. Although the Compass Call recapitalisation would represent a substantial win on its own, defense contractors might also be wary about the award outcome’s impact on other E-model programmes within the USAF. In September, Boeing military aircraft’s director of global sales Fred Smith told reporters he believed the sole source could impact the JSTARS competition. Last year, the Air Force Office of Transformational Innovation explored the use of a common business jet for multiple battle management command-and-control platform recapitalisations. The office considered using a commercially available aircraft for several recapitalisation efforts, including the EC-130, E-8 JSTARS and E-3 AWACS. The study looked at "space, payload, power, cooling, in-flight refueling, and mission growth potential” on the jet, according to OTI. While OTI determined last June that a common business jet would not garner significant savings for the USAF, the study intimates that the service sees commonality between those platforms and recapitalisation efforts. In September, then-Air Combat Command Chief Gen Herbert Carlisle maintained the Compass Call acquisition strategy would not affect the JSTARS recapitalisation, noting the EC-130H mission set, sensor suite and crew configuration vary from JSTARS.
  3. 82-0061 departed on 6 Mar bound for WPAFB to be Aerovac trainer. No idea regarding 82-0060
  4. Air Force’s ‘meanest, toughest, most tactical machine’ arrives at Yokota The first of 14 new C-130J Super Hercules cargo planes lands at Yokota Air Base, Japan, Monday, March 6, 2017. By SETH ROBSON | STARS AND STRIPES Published: March 6, 2017 YOKOTA AIR BASE, Japan — The Air Force began the deployment of its “meanest, toughest, most tactical machine” — the C-130J Super Hercules — to western Tokyo on Monday. The first of 14 Super Hercules, which will replace aging C-130H planes at Yokota Air Base, was delivered by Maj. Gen. Mark C. Dillon. The Pacific Air Forces vice commander landed the aircraft, its distinctive six-bladed composite propellers whirring, in front of a crowd of airmen, family members and Japanese guests. Waiting on the ramp was U.S. Forces Japan and 5th Air Force commander Lt. Gen. Jerry P. Martinez, who told the crowd the new plane’s arrival showed America’s “ever, ever, ever strong commitment” to Japan. The first of 14 new C-130J Super Hercules cargo planes lands at Yokota Air Base, Japan, Monday, March 6, 2017. SETH ROBSON/STARS AND STRIPES “Today the United States of America delivered its premier, meanest, toughest, most tactical machine in the world, the J model,” he said. “When you look around the world at the threats that exist in this region, our friends in Japan, they need to know that the United States sends its best … we have the premier tactical airlifter now on Japanese soil.” Dillon said flying a C-130J is akin to driving a sports car. “It’s like driving a Ferrari or a Maserati,” he said. “It has a lot of power. You can land it exactly where you want to on the runway.” The C-130J needs two fewer crewmembers thanks to automated navigation and engineering systems, and its new Rolls Royce engines provide more power, fuel efficiency and range. Larry Gallogly, a former Air Force C-130 pilot and one of several Lockheed Martin representatives who helped welcome the plane, said the J models would add significant airlift capability in the region. Already flown by Special Forces on Okinawa and at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, C-130Js can carry eight cargo pallets — two more than the H models — and 128 passengers compared to the 92 who could ride in the older plane, he said. The J models are 30 percent cheaper to fly and more reliable than the older aircraft, and their mission capability rates routinely surpass 80 percent. High-tech avionics mean the planes are also very safe. Only eight C-130Js have crashed or been put out of service by accidents to date, Gallogly said. The cockpit has more space than the older models since there’s no seat for the flight engineer and the navigator’s chair is spare. Those jobs have been automated on the J models. A striking thing about the cockpit is two clear Heads-Up Displays in front of the pilot and co-pilot’s seats. From the side they are completely transparent, but from the flyers’ viewpoint, bright green flight instruments seem to hang in the air. There’s more space in the new plane’s cargo bay, too, along with a flush toilet — a luxury denied to passengers on the old Hercs. “I’m very excited to have an aircraft to fly,” said Capt. Chase Hessman, 25, a Yokota-based pilot who showed off the new plane for visitors. Hessman, who grew up at nearby Camp Zama where his father was stationed with the Army, trained to fly the J model, but he’s been doing office work for weeks waiting for the new planes to get to Japan, he said. 374th Airlift Wing commander Col. Kenneth Moss, whose name is painted on Yokota’s first J model, said some of airmen spent years planning for its arrival. “Today marks the beginning of the transition for the 374th Airlift Wing from operating the world’s greatest airlifter … to now operating the world’s most advanced tactical airlifter, the C-130J,” he said. Video Link of aircraft taxiing in below.
  5. Suppose to arrive today or tomorrow with official ceremonial arrival event planned for Monday 6 Mar 2017.
  6. So why is a new J off the production line departing Greenville...just curious? Was it there for the LAIRCM mod prior to delivery? I saw it on the delivery line in Marietta in Oct
  7. From today's AFA Daily Report, 23 Feb 2017 Flight Tablets Approved Throughout AMC Air Mobility Command has approved the use of tablet computers in place of paper flight manuals at all AMC wings, according to a press release. AMC began the electronic flight bag initiative in 2010 as a cost-saving measure, and they estimate that replacing 120 pounds of paper with a tablet saves almost $3.8 million per year across the command. The savings come in reduced fuel consumption and paper printing and distribution costs. AMC has also taken security precautions with the new system. “Working with the Defense Information Systems Agency’s security technical implementation guide, we know how to configure the tablet for government use, and how to configure each tablet to ensure it has the most secure cyber posture,” said Richard Quidgeon, requirements manager for the program.
  8. Lockheed Martin rolls out first LM-100J Super Hercules commercial freighter February 9, 2017 (by Stephanie Stinn) - Lockheed Martin today officially introduced the world to the latest member of the C-130J Super Hercules family: the LM-100J commercial freighter. Members of staff from Lockheed Martin pose in front of first LM-100J Commercial Freighter which rolled out of the Marietta plant on February 9, 2017. [Lockheed photo] Employees who designed and built the aircraft celebrated this new Super Hercules with a traditional "rollout" ceremony held at the Lockheed Martin Aeronautics facility located here. Team members walked this LM-100J out of the building that is home to the Super Hercules production line. The next stop for this milestone Super Hercules is the flightline, where it will prepare for its first flight this spring. Lockheed Martin announced its intent to manufacture and market the LM-100J in February 2014. Lockheed Martin has filed for an FAA civil type certificate update and this first LM-100J will participate in flight test activity to support this process. "Today's rollout not only marks another accomplishment for Super Hercules, but it also reflects the aircraft's capability to evolve to meet customer requirements. The LM-100J program has exceeded all expectations in moving from an idea to a reality," said George Shultz, vice president and general manager, Air Mobility & Maritime Missions at Lockheed Martin. "We are at this point thanks to hard work and dedication of Lockheed Martin employees and suppliers, who have literally designed and built this new chapter of Super Hercules operations. The FAA has been an essential partner in this aircraft's production and we look forward to continuing to work together as we move into the LM-100J's critical flight test phase. " The LM-100J incorporates technological developments and improvements that result from years of military C-130J operational experience, including more than 1.5 million flight hours achieved by operators in 16 nations. This experience and advancement translates to an aircraft that will deliver reliable service in a multi-role platform for decades to come. The LM-100J is the ninth production version of the Super Hercules aircraft and its commercial capabilities have the distinction of being the 17th different mission capability supported by the C-130J. Like its multi-tasking military counterpart, the LM-100J will support a variety of tasks, including: oversized cargo transport; oil dispersion/aerial spray; oil and gas exploration; mining logistics operations; aerial fire fighting; aerial delivery; medevac/air ambulance; humanitarian relief operations; personnel transport; austere field operations; and search and rescue. The LM-100J is the updated version of the L-100 Hercules, which was built by Lockheed Martin from 1964-1992. More than 100 L-100s were delivered to both global commercial and government operators, supporting cargo delivery requirements in almost every operating environment in the world.
  9. I believe the slicks are just riding off into the sunset, heading to AMARG later this year.
  10. I think that was speed tape and it was likely applied over some wiring routed externally for retrieving test data associated with firing the gun. Seen this before when out at Edwards, except everything Edwards Test did was colored orange for everything. Panels, brackets, wiring, everything was orange that was associated with test..
  11. http://www.militarytimes.com/video/check-out-the-deadliest-ac-130-gunship-yet
  12. Here's the story/accident report Paul Meyer, CC that stole C-130 from Mildenhall.pdf
  13. Yokota receives last C-130H loadmaster July 17, 2016 (by A1C Elizabeth Baker) - The 374th Airlift Wing is the last active duty wing in the Air Force to operate the reliable and versatile work horse of airlift: the C-130 Hercules. Recently, the 374 AW received the U.S. Air Force’s last active duty loadmaster trained on the C-130H. A!C Stephen Clark, 36th AS C-130 Hercules loadmaster, stands inside a C-130H at Yokota AB on July 13, 2016. Yokota AB is the last active duty installation to operate the C-130H, and Clark is the last active duty loadmaster trained on the H model. [USAF illustration by A1C Elizabeth Baker] Airman 1st Class Stephen Clark, 36th Airlift Squadron loadmaster, will soon begin contributing to the last chapters of the H-model’s 40-year airlift story “It’s good to be here,” Clark said. “I’m excited to do my job and I’m looking forward to working.” Yokota Air Base has hosted C-130s since 1975, when they were assigned to the 345th Tactical Airlift Squadron. Clark, as one of the last parts of that legacy, said that his fellow airlifters assigned to the 36 AS have taken to jokingly calling him “The Last Samurai.” In technical school, Clark was the only active duty member in class. He was surrounded by the National Guard and Reserve members who continue to work on H models. Clark admitted to feeling a little sad that so much history is being retired from active duty and he’s sure he’ll miss the H models. Despite this, he also stated that the change will be a good one. Yokota’s aircraft are scheduled to be replaced by the upgraded C-130J Super Hercules which features more automated functions, superior performance and new capabilities. It performs a diverse number of roles, including aerial firefighting, special operations, aerial delivery, hurricane hunting, search and rescue and personnel transport. As Yokota progresses to the latest technological developments in its mission to move cargo through the skies, it is receiving the world’s most advanced tactical airlifter. The 374 AW projects that the last of the H models will leave Yokota within three years to go to National Guard and Reserve bases. The first J model is due to arrive in late fall this year. Many H model loadmasters will be retrained to the J model, as Clark may be. Until then, he said, he takes pride in working on the H models. “The J model will be easier, which is nice, but I enjoy getting my hands dirty,” Clark said. The Super Hercules performs part of a loadmaster’s work with automated components. The advanced technology present in the J models eliminates the need for navigators and flight engineers, reducing the aircrew to the pilot, copilot and loadmasters. Yokota recently received its last C-130 H navigator as well. This newest C-130 model has already proven its reliability with more than 1.2 million flight hours logged. It is operated by 16 countries and has been used to set 54 world records. Lockheed Martin, producer of the C-130s, describes the newest model on its website. “There is no aircraft in aviation history, either developed or under development, which can match the flexibility, versatility and relevance of the C-130J Super Hercules,” the website states. “In continuous production longer than any other military aircraft, the C-130 has earned a reputation as a workhorse ready for any mission, anywhere, anytime.” Reflecting on the next stage of Yokota’s airlift, Clark said that change is good and he’s excited to learn more about a sophisticated new aircraft and its capabilities.
  14. A huge loss to the C-130 community to say the least. God speed Lars. Anyone know if it's possible to get the latest revision of his book Lockheed Hercules Production List 1954-2014? If so, where or how?
  15. Little Rock AFB receives Milestone C-130J June 21, 2016 (by Stephanie Stinn) - The 61st Airlift Squadron at Little Rock Air Force Base, Arkansas, received a milestone Lockheed Martin C-130J Super Hercules airlifter on June 20th. USAF C-130J-30 #14-5796 on its delivery flight from Lockheed Martins Marietta facility to 61st AS on June 20, 2016. [Lockheed Martin Photography by Andrew McMurtrie] This is the last C-130J-30 delivery for the 61st, which operates a fleet of 14 Super Hercules airlifters. Gen. Carlton D. Everhart II, commander, Air Mobility Command, Scott Air Force Base, Illinois, ferried the aircraft from the Lockheed Martin Aeronautics facility here. Everhart is a command pilot who has logged more than 4,500 flight hours in his career, which includes flying C-130E/H aircraft. The 61st, which has operated C-130s since 1956, is part of Air Mobility Command's 19th Airlift Wing. The 19th Airlift Wing also includes another Super Hercules unit: the 41st Airlift Squadron. The 19th Airlift Wing has the distinction of operating one of the U.S. Air Force’s largest C-130J fleets with 28 Super Hercs in total.
  16. Tiny, when was this photo taken?
  17. From the Robins Base newspaper today. http://www.robins.af.mil/shared/media/document/AFD-160617-001.pdf Doc1.pdf
  18. I think there is a lot more than you would expect. Of the parts that should be/could be interchangeable, I think they (LMCO) tweaked them enough to put themselves in a position to capitalize on the supply chain. The other thing is that all the J model part numbers are just that, J model part numbers and do not interchange with Legacy part numbers. I know in USAF there are several things that Legacy can use off a J model but because the part number is different than specified in the Legacy books, a TAR/-107 must be processed. For example flight deck windows; Legacy has their windows that are different from J model windows. If need be, a J model window can be used on a Legacy if approved by engineering, however a Legacy window cannot be used in a J model.
  19. There are definitely differences in parts which makes them difficult to procure since you can't use Legacy parts on Js and vice versa. For example, I know the J model elevators and rudder weights are slightly different than that of the Legacy so using them interchangeably is not an option. Of course it doesn't help when you don't buy the spare parts package and even then, you are competing with LMCO for same parts they need for their production acft to roll off the line with.
  20. There was an article on here not long ago but couldn't find it now...thought it said one J model tail in FY 17 and the rest in FY 18. Did find this article...same one was in stars and stripes too http://www.military.com/daily-news/2015/01/21/new-hercules-to-take-on-heavy-lifting-across-pacific-in-2017.html
  21. The model and stories are pretty cool. If I remember correctly, the acft is pretty much still configured with all the structure in place, just no rockets.
  22. They have been asking for at least 10 years...the acft is pretty far gone and not airworthy. The cost to move it anywhere is astronomical, hence the reason no one has taken it yet. The museum didn't see any significance in the acft (based on a conversation I had with Ken Emory), hence the push to remove it from their inventory. Yes it was modified for the very special Credible Sport project but it never flew a single mission, not even a test mission in this configuration so in their eyes, it was just another acft that had just been modified, nothing special. AFSOC looked into it but too costly to relocate. If too costly for them (and they are not that far from Robins) then too costly for anyone else to even consider taking on the effort.
  23. Saw another article saying #11-5729 flying local at Eglin...
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