2014
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Hawaii hasn't endured a hurricane threat since 1992, but this week the islands stared down not one but two major storms. Hurricane Iselle was downgraded to a tropical storm as it hit the Big Island, the Associated Press reported. A trailing storm, Julio, picked up steam, however. For decades, military aviators have been tempting fate by flying through these massive storms at sea. Their weapon of choice is the Lockheed WC-130. Read more: http://www.businessinsider.com/plane-flew-iselle-hurricane-hawaii-2014-8#ixzz3ABaXNXzb
Last reply by Railrunner130, -
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[ATTACH=CONFIG]4378[/ATTACH] The US Department of Defense has deployed two Lockheed Martin C-130 transports to California in support of wildfire suppression operations in the area. The aircraft are under control of the US Northern Command (NORTHCOM) and were requested to assist by the National Interagency Fire Center in Boise, Idaho, it was announced on 22 September. The C-130s are equipped with the US Forest Service’s modular airborne firefighting systems (MAFFS), supported by the North Carolina Air National Guard’s 145th Airlift Wing based in Charlotte, North Carolina. MAFFS integration with the C-130s turns the aircraft into air tankers that can be used…
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[ATTACH=CONFIG]4422[/ATTACH] As 2011 ended, Snow Aviation International Inc. made a court-ordered deadline to move its experimental Lockheed C-130 Hercules from a hangar at Rickenbacker International Airport with just hours to spare. The Herk was towed to neighboring cargo flyer AirNet Systems Inc. in what was described as a temporary arrangement until a new propeller would make it flyable. Founder and CEO Harry Snow Jr. told me then that he would work with his main investor and creditor in Cleveland, Moxahela Aviation LLC, to rejuvenate the business that never made a sale after promising some 500 jobs in 2001. “Talk to me in the second week of January (2012…
Last reply by casey, -
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[ATTACH=CONFIG]4288[/ATTACH] During the early days of Vietnam Conflict, the US developed a special kind of attack aircraft to stop the flow of enemy troops and supplies: the gunship. The Gunship aircraft, born from the conversion of cargo aircraft into powerful aerial weapons armed with big guns, were based on the concept of the circling attack. In other words, the guns were mounted on the left side of the gunship so that the plane could fly a bank circle, achieving a good accuracy in strafing the target by using high velocity guns with a caliber of at least .30. The first two types of gunships developed by the US were the twin-engine piston powered Douglas C-47…
Last reply by mongo, -
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[ATTACH=CONFIG]4272[/ATTACH] BRUNEI has confirmed that it will be buying a number of C-130J Super Hercules military transport aircraft from aerospace firm Lockheed Martin. Pehin Datu Perkerma Jaya Major General Dato Pahlawan Mohd Tawih Abdullah, Commander of the Royal Brunei Armed Forces (RBAF), told The Brunei Times that the military is set to order the American-made aircraft sometime in the future. “We will be buying the aircraft, but it won’t be a lot,†he said, adding that the planned quantity and date of order will be revealed in due time. Latest figures estimate the average cost of the C-130J Super Hercules at US$100 to 120 million per unit for inte…
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The long-awaited, much anticipated National Defense Authorization Act for 2015, featuring language that clears the way for modernization of the 179th Air National Guard Airlift Wing's fleet of eight C-130H transport aircraft, finally made it out of Congress late Friday. President Barack Obama is expected to sign the wide-ranging legislation in the next few days. But Rich Green, former commander of the 179th and now leader of the Mansfield Military Affairs Council, isn't giving up the fight just yet. The 179th's aircraft would be prevented from flying across much of the globe by 2020 unless enhanced communication gear, known technically as Automatic Dependent Surveillanc…
Last reply by olcatmech2, -
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[ATTACH=CONFIG]4536[/ATTACH] Since it’s inception in 1985, Fleet Logistics Support Squadron (VR) 62 has logged more than 81,000 mishap free flight hours. VR-62 was established at NAF Detroit in 1985 as a C-9 transport squadron. In 1994, the squadron transitioned to the C-130T Hercules airframe, and changed its home base to become VR-62 “Mass Transit†at NAS South Weymouth, Mass. When NAS South Weymouth closed in 1996, VR-62 moved again and became the “Nor’easters†based out of NAS Brunswick, Maine. When Brunswick closed in 2008, VR-62 changed its name to “Nomads†and its home base to NAS Jacksonville. In addition to celebrating 29 accident-free…
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Spare 617 is now on display at the USAF Museum. Col. Cauldwell who brought her back to Ton Sun Nhut officiated at the ceremony. Happy to see that she finally got a place of honor. http://www.historynet.com/storied-c-130e-goes-to-usaf-museum.htm Col. Cauldwell in his younger days when he was Capt. Bill, best pilot I ever had the pleasure of flying with! (not to take anything away from any of the other fine pilots that flew for the 776 TAS) Congratulations to Col. Caulwell and Spare 617! http://www.troopcarrier.org/spare617.html Spare 617 was the call sign. Tail # on that bird is 62-1787.
Last reply by Graywolf88, -
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[ATTACH=CONFIG]4364[/ATTACH] Northrop Grumman Systems Corporation, Rolling Meadows, Illinois, has been awarded a $27,988,682 modification (P00078) to previously awarded contract FA8625-12-C-6598 for the Large Aircraft Infrared Counter Measures C-130 Group A Kits and Installations. The contractor will provide the kits and the associated installations to 28 C-130 aircraft (11 AC-130H, 12 MC-130U, and five EC-130J). Work will be performed at Crestview, Florida, and is expected to be completed by April 30, 2017. Fiscal 2014 and 2012 overseas contingency operations funds in the amount of $27,988,682 are being obligated at the time of award. The Air Force Life Cycle Manageme…
Last reply by CTII Raven, -
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KADENA AIR BASE, Japan - Kadena's newest aircraft touched down here, Dec. 21, 2014, after a flight across the Pacific to its new home with the 353rd Special Operations Group. The MC-130J Commando II is replacing the retiring MC-130P Combat Shadow assigned to the 353rd SOG's 17th Special Operations Squadron. "The Commando II represents a giant leap forward for specialized air mobility," said Maj. Michael Perry, 17th SOS assistant operations officer. "The MC-130J can carry more, further and faster than any of its predecessors." Special operations began using the Combat Shadow in the mid-1980s, conducting air refueling missions during Operation Just Cause in Pana…
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Lockheed-Martin is looking for stories/pictures.... http://lockheedmartin.com/us/products/c130/herc60.html
Last reply by P3_Super_Bee, -
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[ATTACH=CONFIG]4480[/ATTACH] LONDON, Nov. 12 (UPI) -- Rolls-Royce has announced receipt of a contract from the U.S. Air Force for the purchase of AE 2100 engines and parts. The contract for spare engines is worth more than $100 million but the number of engines covered and their delivery schedule were not disclosed. Rolls-Royce said the spare AE 2100 engines and parts are for the Air Force's fleet of C-130J Super Hercules transports from Lockheed Martin and to support Foreign Military Sales program customers. "Rolls-Royce AE 2100 engines provide the dependable, efficient power required by the U.S. Air Force and our allies to complete their transport missi…
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[ATTACH=CONFIG]4267[/ATTACH] Lockheed Martin is anticipating its forthcoming LM-100J aircraft to garner demand for some unique missions, including oil spill clean-ups among other roles. The aerospace and defense manufacturer will also make a major announcement regarding its latest non-military aircraft program at next week's Farnborough International Airshow. In February, Lockheed announced it will be pursuing an amended type certification from the FAA for the LM-100J. The aircraft is a modern version of the L-382J—which was a commercial variant of the C-130J Super Hercules that went out of production in 1992. Now, the company is ready to re-enter the co…
Last reply by PerfManJ, -
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SINGAPORE:Two C-130 aircraft from Singapore were sent to the Java Sea, 740 kilometres southeast of Singapore, on Monday (Dec 29) to search for objects linked to missing AirAsia flight QZ8501. The two aircraft were able to cover about 30 per cent of the search area assigned to Singapore by Indonesia. The assigned area measures 60 nautical miles by 190 nautical miles, or about 55 times the size of Singapore. The weather conditions were good during the five-hour search-and-locate operation. The first C-130 aircraft departed Paya Lebar Air Base at about 6.30am Singapore time. There were 12 personnel on board. Two commanders held marine location markers as they scanned th…
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[ATTACH=CONFIG]4458[/ATTACH] KADENA AIR BASE, Japan (AFNS) -- From providing helicopter air-to-air refueling to conducting long-range support of special operations forces, the MC-130P Combat Shadow has provided a critical service to the U.S. military for nearly 50 years. The 17th Special Operations Squadron highlighted the beginning of the MC-130P Combat Shadow retirement with one final formation flight here, Oct. 16. “Today's final four-ship formation flight was the 17th Special Operations Squadron's tribute to the heritage and legacy of this fine aircraft,†said Lt. Col. Nathan Colunga, the 17th SOS commander. “This event marks the historic beginning of th…
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[ATTACH=CONFIG]4515[/ATTACH] The House and Senate Armed Services Committees Fiscal 2015 defense authorization agreement requires the Air Force to submit a five-year basing plan for C-130H and J-variant aircraft to Congress. It also prohibits USAF from transferring any C-130s until the Air Force Secretary and the Comptroller General have conducted a full cost-benefit analysis of any desired transfers. In addition, the report must certify that units with modular airborne firefighting system-equipped C-130s “would not be negatively affected by the proposed transfers,†states the agreement summary. “We do not intend that the prohibition on transfer of C-130 aircraft a…
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[ATTACH=CONFIG]4383[/ATTACH] KABUL: The United States has delivered another C-130 aircraft (c/n [cn]4681[/cn] ex USAF 74-1689) to the Air Force of Afghanistan as part of the rehabilitation effort of the Afghan Air Force. A statement released by the Afghan Air Force said Wednesday that Afghanistan has so far received three C-130 cargo aircraft from United States. The source added the delivery of the C-130 is part of the contract with the United States for the delivery of four C-130 aircraft to Afghan Air Force. The last delivery of the C-130 aircraft to Afghan Air Force is expected by the end of this year, the source said. According to the Afghan Air Force, th…
Last reply by DC10FE, -
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[ATTACH=CONFIG]4513[/ATTACH] Senate and House Armed Services Committee leaders have come to an agreement to halt the inactivation of the 440th Airlift Wing at Pope Field, said U.S. Sen. Kay Hagan. The agreement announced Wednesday would stop all C-130H and C-130J aircraft transfers until 60 days after the Air Force issues a report outlining a justification of the decision. It would also mandate an independent review …
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[ATTACH=CONFIG]4495[/ATTACH] LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (Nov. 25, 2014) -- The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Little Rock District and Little Rock Air Force Base here, are collaborating on a multiyear project to repair/replace one of the Air Force's busiest runways. Without major delays and runway shutdowns, the project is expected to be concrete in April 2017, with a price tag of $107.9 million. The runway project is funded through the Air Force's operation and maintenance budget, and managed by the Little Rock District. "It just makes sense that when the Army needs to fly somewhere, they rely on the Air Force, and when the Air Force needs major engineering support, they…
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[ATTACH=CONFIG]4511[/ATTACH] ORLANDO, FLA. — The compromise National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) language, revealed Tuesday evening, limits the US Air Force’s ability to retire any aircraft in what is a clear message from Congress that the service has not earned its trust on major issues, such as the retirement of the A-10 or U-2. At the same time, negotiators also appear to have listened to concerns from the Air National Guard over a major C-130 upgrade program. The bill states that no money allocated for fiscal 2015 “may be obligated or expended to retire, prepare to retire, or place in storage any aircraft of the Air Force, except for …
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[ATTACH=CONFIG]4464[/ATTACH] It's not every day you see something like this. A C-130 fuselage made its way from Little Rock, Arkansas to Fort Drum on a truck on Wednesday. It's going to be used for training. "When you see a large aircraft coming down the road, you wonder what the heck's going on, but it's a valuable piece of equipment to us," said CWO3 Joshua Peretta or the 277th Aviation Support Battalion. In case you were wondering, officials said the fuselage is 120 feet long, 16 feet tall and 16 feet wide. USAF C-130E 63-7819 c/n [cn]3885[/cn] View original story: http://www.wwnytv.com/news/ftdrum/C-130-Fuselage-Trucked-To-Fort-Drum-280845402.html
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[ATTACH=CONFIG]4529[/ATTACH] A $560 billion defense bill that is critical to jobs in South Mississippi is now awaiting President Barack Obama's signature. U.S. Sen. Roger Wicker reports the Senate passed the National Defense Authorization Act on Friday. Wicker reports one of the provisions of the measure focuses on C-130Js at Keesler Air Force Base. It prohibits the transfer of the planes stationed at Keesler unless the Air Force can substantiate its claim that the transfer would save taxpayer dollars. Ten of the Flying Jennies were scheduled to be relocated to another Air Force base and the 815th and 345th squads were set to be deactivated, but that decision was …
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[ATTACH=CONFIG]4362[/ATTACH] The UK Royal Air Force (RAF) may retain in service a number of its Lockheed Martin C-130J Hercules transport aircraft for special forces use, a senior service official disclosed on 16 September. Speaking at the IQPC Military Airlift 2014 conference in London, Group Captain Simon Edwards, Officer Commanding RAF Brize Norton, said that there may be a continued need for the C-130J beyond its current planned out of service date (OSD) of 2022. "We will start drawing down the C-130 fleet in the next couple of years, and will retire them in 2022. However, if we keep [a number of] them, and we may, it will probably be for special forces use,"…
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In this photo by Associated Press photographer Dita Alangkara, who flew in a C-130 with Indonesia's air force Monday, crew members scan the horizon during a search operation for the missing AirAsia jet over the Karimata Strait. The plane, with its exterior painted in camouflage, took off from an air base in Jakarta, Indonesia's capital, at 6:20 a.m. and was scheduled to fly for six hours. The pilots, however, got an order to expand the search area, and the flight ended up lasting 10 hours. Nothing related to the missing plane was spotted. The two pilots scanned left and right during the flight, while the navigator took notes on coordinates. There were two men behind the…
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[ATTACH=CONFIG]4282[/ATTACH] Arriving from their now-former home of Okinawa, Japan, the first KC-130J Super Hercules of Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 152, the “Sumos,†touched down aboard Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, today. The KC-130J Super Hercules transfer is a step forward in consolidating and realigning forces, while also maintaining readiness to effectively respond to any situation in the Pacific region. This represents an important milestone in alleviating some of the U.S. military burden from Okinawa. The transfer also translates to a more response-ready Marine Aircraft Group of Iwakuni. “(VMGR-152) helps us integrate more …