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Sydney-based manufacturer Quickstep Holding has extended its partnership with US defense and aerospace company Lockheed Martin by becoming a supplier to its new LM-100J commercial freighter. The company, which is the largest independent aerospace-grade advanced composite manufacturer in Australia, also supplies wing flaps to Lockheed Martin’s F-35 Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) program. Sydney-based manufacturer Quickstep Holding has extended its partnership with US defense and aerospace company Lockheed Martin by becoming a supplier to its new LM-100J commercial freighter. The company, which is the largest independent aerospace-grade advanced composite manufacturer in Australia, also supplies wing flaps to Lockheed Martin’s F-35 Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) program. The LM-100J freighter, which recently made its global debut at the 2017 Paris Air Show, is based on the C-130J Super Hercules military tactical airlifter. “The Quickstep team is extremely proud to be the supplier of the wing flaps for the LM-100J in addition to the C130J military version of this aircraft,” said Mark Burgess, Quickstep’s recently appointed CEO and managing director. “The introduction of the LM-100J signifies a new chapter in Hercules operations and we are proud to be a part of this new platform that will truly change the commercial freighter marketplace.” Burgess joined Quickstep on May 8 after four years as vice president at Honeywell Aerospace Asia Pacific and a career with BAE Systems. “I am genuinely excited about Quickstep’s future,” he said. “ We are generating positive cash flow from our aerospace operations.” Source: http://www.manmonthly.com.au/news/quickstep-adds-lockheed-martin-aerospace-portfolio/ View full article

The Air Force's latest outstanding unit is made up of Colorado Springs airmen who do their duty on a part-time basis. The 302nd Airlift Wing at Peterson Air Force Base earned the service's Outstanding Unit Award, a medal now worn by each of its airmen, for "distinguishing themselves by exceptionally meritorious service or outstanding achievement that clearly sets the unit above and apart from similar units." The Air Force's latest outstanding unit is made up of Colorado Springs airmen who do their duty on a part-time basis. The 302nd Airlift Wing at Peterson Air Force Base earned the service's Outstanding Unit Award, a medal now worn by each of its airmen, for "distinguishing themselves by exceptionally meritorious service or outstanding achievement that clearly sets the unit above and apart from similar units." The wing's commander Col. James DeVere said his team of reservists got the honor for hard work, including battles against 15 wildfires, accomplished in a family atmosphere where the longevity of airmen is often measured in decades. "They are out here and balancing their civilian jobs with their military jobs and their families," DeVere said. It's the eighth time the unit has earned the Air Force's top award for collective performance. While the award cites the 302nd's other accomplishments at home and overseas, too, the unit is best known as the nation's aerial fire department. Using four-engined C-130 transport planes, crews from the wing fly low over wildfires to drop lines of retardant, 379,000 gallons of it in 2015 alone, ahead of the flames. DeVere, who first served with the wing in 2007, came back to take command last year. "I can't tell you how proud I am," DeVere said. "When I came back I knew this wing was a great place to be associated with." For airmen who drill one weekend a month and serve another two weeks a year on duty, the 302nd gets a lot of work done. The award cited the unit's 4,000 flights a year, and the combined 2,000 days of support it offered to Operation Atlantic Resolve, a series of military training exercises in Europe. The unit's mechanics also earned plaudits. While the wing's planes are nearly 25 years old, the 302nd was honored for having the best-maintained C-130s in the Air Force Reserve and having its aircraft ready for war at a rate that's one of the highest in the Air Force. The 302nd's work ethic also spreads to the wing's record of community service. DeVere said his airmen help in schools, coach youth teams, raise cash for charity and helped build low-income housing in the Pikes Peak region. All from a group that already has full-time civilian employment and a part-time military obligation. "That's the amazing thing - they seem to find the time to go out and volunteer," DeVere said. The unit already has dozens of its airmen serving in the Middle East and is readying for a wider deployment of its troops after training this fall. "We're focusing on making sure those folks have the training and are ready to do their jobs," DeVere said. The 302nd also is standing by to fight fires this summer if they are needed. DeVere said one of the biggest assets possessed by his wing is the broad swath of experience his airmen bring from their civilian jobs. The bulk of his pilots fly for airlines when not in uniform. Many of his security forces troops are local cops when they're not on Reserve duty. "They can take that experience from the civilian world and bring it into the Air Force and vice-versa," he said. The outstanding unit award comes with a ribbon for dress uniforms, but it doesn't come with cash or promotions. DeVere said his group isn't worried about material rewards or fanfare for a job well-done. "The biggest payback is the satisfaction," he said. "We're all here because we want to be here." By: Tom Roeder June 25, 2017 Source: http://gazette.com/part-time-colorado-springs-airmen-earn-big-full-time-award/article/1605902 View full article

“We aim for first pass success. One pass, one drop,” said Maj. Josh Linden, the 386th Expeditionary Operations Support Squadron chief of tactics, as he described the 386th Air Expeditionary Wing’s airdrop mission. The 386th AEW conducted several combat airdrop missions over the past few months, including one over the weekend, in direct support of Combined Joint Task Force - Operation Inherent Resolve ground troops. “We aim for first pass success. One pass, one drop,” said Maj. Josh Linden, the 386th Expeditionary Operations Support Squadron chief of tactics, as he described the 386th Air Expeditionary Wing’s airdrop mission. The 386th AEW conducted several combat airdrop missions over the past few months, including one over the weekend, in direct support of Combined Joint Task Force - Operation Inherent Resolve ground troops. Providing the fuel that keeps the fight going, the 386th AEW has delivered more than 80 tons of food, water and other critical supplies to various supported forces throughout the U.S. Air Forces Central Command area of responsibility. “We are resupplying the warfighters on the ground to sustain their ground operations in the fight against ISIS,” said Capt. Michelle Urso, the 386th EOSS flying intelligence squadron’s officer in charge. When secure runways are not available for aircraft to land, dropping container delivery system bundles into hostile areas becomes necessary, but getting this close to the fight does not come without inherent risk. “We are conducting airdrop missions for a reason,” said Urso. “Being a target to be shot down is not out of the realm of possibility for these types of mission.” Compared to the traditional air-land mission, where the plane takes off, lands and supplies are off-loaded; airdrop missions are more complex and require a lot more coordinating and planning, according to Linden. “As intel, we work with multiple agencies, sift through all of the current intelligence products and gather the most pertinent data,” said Urso. “From there we analyze the threats and work with tactics to ensure that we have the safest possible routing for our aircrew.” “Every airdrop is different, even if we go to the same place twice in a row on two different days,” said Linden. “The geo-political climate is different, the threat picture is different, and even the supported forces who are on the ground might be different day to day. Every airdrop is unique out here in the AOR and we take it drop by drop to go plan it.” These airdrop missions, delivering critical supplies to the frontlines, are what the C-130 Hercules crews work so hard and train for, said Maj. Timothy Lang, the 386th EOSS operations officer. “It’s a challenging mission, but any one C-130 crew would raise their hand for and jump at the opportunity to execute a combat airdrop,” said Lang. “As the OSS operations officer, I can tell you our squadron brings a team effort from numerous players who are behind the scenes, but still play a pivotal role in a mission’s success.” From tactics to intelligence to the weather section these teams work together days before the drop, planning and preparing the aircrew for any contingency that could arise. There are aircrew flight equipment personnel, who ensure that the aircrew’s gear is functioning properly, and airfield operations personnel, who make sure everything is in order at the airfield here so that the aircrew can launch without issues. All of the operations support functions combine their efforts to ensure a safe and effective mission execution with first pass success. Source: http://www.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/1224179/386th-aew-deliver-critical-supplies-to-frontlines/ View full article

As the sun slowly rose over the eastern horizon, 19 C-130 aircraft, both Hercules and Super Hercules models, made their way across the Nevada landscape. While the aircraft progressed towards their target, the gorges and canyons below seemed like nothing more than a web of cracks across the countryside. A 94th Airlift Wing C-130 Hercules and its aircrew were among these planes and, along with more than 90 other aircraft, participated in the Joint Forcible Entry Exercise, hosted and led by the current graduating class of the United States Air Force Weapons School, to practice conducting large multi-platform operations within a contested degraded environment. As the sun slowly rose over the eastern horizon, 19 C-130 aircraft, both Hercules and Super Hercules models, made their way across the Nevada landscape. While the aircraft progressed towards their target, the gorges and canyons below seemed like nothing more than a web of cracks across the countryside. A 94th Airlift Wing C-130 Hercules and its aircrew were among these planes and, along with more than 90 other aircraft, participated in the Joint Forcible Entry Exercise, hosted and led by the current graduating class of the United States Air Force Weapons School, to practice conducting large multi-platform operations within a contested degraded environment. “The operation was to neutralize enemy forces within an area that severely limits our abilities, and then conduct aerial insertion of our own troops,” said Capt. Brandon Calhoun, 700th Airlift Squadron aircraft commander. “We had to deal with radar and communications jamming while also being able to maneuver the aircraft and work with our crew.” The exercise, known as JFE Vul, utilized a large formation of aircraft to conduct low-level airdrops of ground troops within a simulated enemy environment, and included objectives such as neutralizing highly-sophisticated and well-coordinated defensive capabilities. While flying, the 700th AS pilots flew at low altitudes and performed evasive maneuvers, and also flew with a host of fighter and bomber aircraft, including A-10 Thunderbolts, F-15 Strike Eagles, F-16 Fighting Falcons, B-1 Lancers and B-52 Stratofortresses. “During the exercise, we had to deal with air-to-air and surface-to-air threats,” said Maj. Mike McNulty, 700th AS flight navigator. “The enemy also had infrared and radio frequency jamming capabilities.” To accomplish the simulated mission, the USAFWS put together an operation that hosted a number of different platforms, totaling to more than 100 participating aircraft and 40 participating units from across the U.S. “There is a lot to be learned when integrating with other platforms,” said Calhoun. “Actually using so many different aircraft with different capabilities really prepares you to operate efficiently in a real world operation, and it is a great learning opportunity to see how to make processes better.” Because of the massive scale of the exercise, the aircrew from Dobbins had to adapt and overcome challenges not usually present in training, and through those challenges were able to better understand what to expect if there was ever such a real-world situation. “Communication was a huge challenge,” said Calhoun. “When you have more than 100 aircraft, most on the same frequency, all doing different missions, there is a lot of information. You’re constantly hearing statuses or mission calls, so you have to compartmentalize, filter, and determine what is important to your mission, all while piloting an aircraft, conducting maneuvers, and communicating with your own crew.” The exercise’s execution lasted one day, but in that short time it allowed for the 94th AW to demonstrate its capability to support the Air Force’s ability for air superiority and rapid global mobility, as well as acting in a joint command and control environment. Source: http://www.dobbins.afrc.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/1224186/dobbins-flies-with-more-than-100-aircraft-in-joint-forcible-entry-exercise/ View full article

The U.S. Air Force Weapons School's 34th Weapons Squadron capitalized on planning and collaboration to graduate its first class of students June 17 in the Class 17A HC-130J Combat King II weapons instructor course, laying the foundation to increase HC-130J weapons officers in the Combat Air Forces. The U.S. Air Force Weapons School's 34th Weapons Squadron capitalized on planning and collaboration to graduate its first class of students June 17 in the Class 17A HC-130J Combat King II weapons instructor course, laying the foundation to increase HC-130J weapons officers in the Combat Air Forces. As reported when the HC-130J WIC was approved in 2015, the course addresses a critical shortage of weapons officers in the fixed-wing platform for personnel recovery. Currently, the Air Force has just seven HC-130J weapons officers in the field, according to Maj. Nick Pettit, 34th WPS HC-130J assistant director of operations. All seven graduated from the 14th WPS’ Air Force Special Operations Command MC-130 WIC, when the 14th WPS had slots they were not filling with students from the special operations community. The first four weapons officers specifically trained in the HC-130J—Pettit, Maj. Joshua Daleiden, Maj. Maxwell Miller, and Maj. Daniel Ritter—planned and validated the new WIC in 2016 and are the instructors who taught the students of Class 17A. A complex aspect of planning the new WIC was ensuring availability of the HC-130J aircraft—provided by the 23rd Wing units based at Moody Air Force Base, Georgia, and Davis-Monthan AFB, Arizona. The 34th WPS instructors worked closely with the 23rd Wing to balance the HC-130J WIC requirements with the 23rd Wing’s own training objectives and deployment requirements. “The primary challenge for the 34th is that careful planning has to happen for each sortie,” said Daleiden. “Coordinating the aircraft and then aligning that with the available range time is something that can’t be done on the spur of the moment when someone would like to reattack a sortie or have more flying opportunities.” When the WIC was validated in 2016, the HC-130Js were not based at Nellis. The instructors had to travel frequently to marry up with the aircraft and maintenance personnel. The time away from Nellis was significantly reduced, however, for Class 17A. “Class 17A was not scheduled to travel as much since the HC-130J community made more aircraft available for basing at Nellis,” said Pettit. “This allowed more integration with the 34th WPS’ HH-60G Pave Hawk WIC and other Weapons School squadrons.” The HC-130J instructors credit much of the course’s implementation success to teamwork. In developing the course, they drew on the existing syllabi and practices of the 14th WPS and 29th WPS C-130 courses and the 34th WPS’ HH-60G course. They then revised where needed to fit the desired learning objectives and tactics, techniques and procedures of combat search and rescue. During the WIC validation, the outstanding support continued. For example, the 23rd Wing and its maintenance personnel—especially Master Sgts. Christopher Meyer from Davis-Monthan’s 923rd AMXS and Jeremy Gilstrap from Moody’s 723rd AMXS—helped resolve aircraft and flying hour challenges for the instructors. In addition, the students from the 34th WPS HH-60G and 66th WPS A-10 courses championed the HC-130J’s integration into the fight. “The A-10 and HH-60 students provided leadership opportunities to the HC-130J validation,” said Pettit. “They really advocated for us and welcomed us in like one of their own.” Although the HC-130J WIC has room to improve as it matures, the instructors say they are pleased with the progress thus far. “Overall, we’re happy we accomplished what we set out to do, even though some refining will happen as we determine the best way to integrate with the rest of the CAF,” said Daleiden. “We’re not where we’d like to be yet, but we’re striving to get to that level,” added Pettit. “I expect the Class 17A graduates will take what we did and make it better.” Source: http://www.nellis.af.mil/News/Article/1224808/34th-wps-graduates-first-wic-built-for-hc-130j-combat-king-ii/ View full article

Lockheed Martin officials launched the C-130J-SOF at the Paris Air Show on 20 June, the first ever special operations forces (SOF)-configured production variant of the Super Hercules transport aircraft to be offered for export. The baseline C-130J-SOF comes in an ISR configuration that features an electro-optic/infrared imaging system in a turret under the nose, upgraded 60/90 KVA generators and 400 amp regulated transformer rectifier units that double the original electrical capacity of the C-130J, an armor protection system and lower fuselage protection for improved survivability under hostile fire, added crew stations for mission systems, automatic dependent surveillance - broadcast (ADS-B) out positioning technology, micro vanes to increase fuel efficiency, and external fuel tanks for increased range and mission loiter time. Lockheed Martin officials launched the C-130J-SOF at the Paris Air Show on 20 June, the first ever special operations forces (SOF)-configured production variant of the Super Hercules transport aircraft to be offered for export. The baseline C-130J-SOF comes in an ISR configuration that features an electro-optic/infrared imaging system in a turret under the nose, upgraded 60/90 KVA generators and 400 amp regulated transformer rectifier units that double the original electrical capacity of the C-130J, an armor protection system and lower fuselage protection for improved survivability under hostile fire, added crew stations for mission systems, automatic dependent surveillance - broadcast (ADS-B) out positioning technology, micro vanes to increase fuel efficiency, and external fuel tanks for increased range and mission loiter time. To this baseline, however, can be added a number of SOF-specific capabilities, including a palletized roll-on/roll-off GAU-23 Bushmaster 30 mm automatic cannon, Hellfire air-to-surface missiles located on outer wing hard points, a refueling probe or UARRSI system to receive fuel air to air; and a hose-and-drogue system to dispense fuel air to air. The C-130J-SOF's mission set would initially cover ISR operations, psychological operations, airdrop resupply, personnel recovery, humanitarian relief, as well as infiltration, exfiltration, and resupply of SOF personnel. With the added special mission equipment options, the aircraft could also perform armed over watch duties, helicopter/fighter/vertical lift aerial refueling, and forward area refueling point (FARP) operations. Briefing reporters at the Paris Air Show, Tony Frese, vice-president for business development for air mobility and maritime missions for Lockheed Martin Aeronautics, explained that the C-130J-SOF would be produced on the same production line in Marietta, Georgia, as all the other nine C-130J variants. He said the internal plumbing and wiring required for add-on capabilities, such as the aerial refueling systems and for firing Hellfire missiles, would be built into the C-130J-SOF as the most efficient way to facilitate future upgrades and that most of these systems "are already flying on users' C-130Js, so it's proven technology". Source: http://www.janes.com/article/71598/paris-air-show-2017-lm-launches-production-sof-variant-of-c-130j-for-export View full article

UTC Aerospace Systems, a unit of United Technologies Corp. announced today that propeller upgrades for the U.S. Air National Guard LC-130 aircraft commenced this month with the fitting of the NP2000 propeller system. The retrofit contract includes twelve of the U.S Air National Guard's fleet of LC/C-130H aircraft. NP2000 Propeller System is offering improved performance and lower operating costs for U.S. and Foreign operators - The NP2000 propeller system offers eight composite blades, an improved electronic control system, and a significant reduction in maintenance man hours of previous generation propeller systems - The NP2000 propeller system is now in service on the LC-130, C-130H, E-2 and C-2 aircraft, and is planned for use on the P-3 - With more than 100 years of experience, UTC Aerospace Systems is a proven leader in the design, manufacture and servicing of propeller systems UTC Aerospace Systems, a unit of United Technologies Corp. announced today that propeller upgrades for the U.S. Air National Guard LC-130 aircraft commenced this month with the fitting of the NP2000 propeller system. The retrofit contract includes twelve of the U.S Air National Guard's fleet of LC/C-130H aircraft. The C-130H, long considered the workhorse of militaries worldwide, is a versatile, four-engine turboprop military aircraft designed to transport troops and military equipment—with an advantage of taking off and landing on unprepared or short runways. The eight all-composite blades, improved electronic control system, and reduced support costs of the NP2000 propeller system offers the C-130H better performance and greater reliability—helping to ensure the aircraft and its crew are mission-ready. We are thrilled to help the U.S. Air National Guard extend the life of its C-130H aircraft fleet and to enhance the reliability of this exceptional aircraft," said Jean-Francois Chanut, General Manager, Propeller Systems, UTC Aerospace Systems. "We look forward to retrofitting these 12 aircraft, and helping the U.S. National Guard accomplish many successful missions in the years to come." The NP2000 propeller system, with its proven technology, offers several benefits to operators, including a reduction in vibration and noise; an increase in thrust; and associated fuel savings—depending on operating conditions. This next-gen propeller system also incorporates more electric and more intelligent technologies from UTC Aerospace Systems, including a digital electronic control system that improves speed holding and blade synchronization. These innovations provide greater comfort and safety for the crew as well as valuable fault diagnostics for maintainers. "Another advantage of our NP2000 propeller system is the reduction in maintenance time and costs," added Chanut. "We designed the propeller so that operators can now replace individual blades on-wing instead of having to take off the entire propeller system. This design enhancement reduces the maintenance man hours and aircraft time on the ground, increasing the aircraft's availability. Foreign operators of the C-130 and P-3 are also evaluating upgrades with the NP2000 propeller system to ready their fleet." UTC Aerospace Systems has been designing, manufacturing and servicing propeller systems for more than 100 years. Its Propeller Systems business has three international sites and currently supplies and services a variety of propeller systems and critical flight control systems across commercial and military platforms around the world. Source: http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/utc-aerospace-systems-is-propelling-readiness-for-turboprop-aircraft-300476432.html View full article

Yes. There are still a few in the ANG.

The Air Force Reserve’s 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron is tasked to fly two tropical systems in the Gulf of Mexico today, one east of the Lesser Antilles and another south of the Yucatan. The Hurricane Hunters deployed to St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands, over the weekend, and are scheduled to fly their first low level investigation mission today. Another crew will fly a LLI mission out of Keesler Air Force Base today into the system south of the Yucatan. The Air Force Reserve’s 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron is tasked to fly two tropical systems in the Gulf of Mexico today, one east of the Lesser Antilles and another south of the Yucatan. The Hurricane Hunters deployed to St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands, over the weekend, and are scheduled to fly their first low level investigation mission today. Another crew will fly a LLI mission out of Keesler Air Force Base today into the system south of the Yucatan. LLI missions are flown at 500 to 1,500 feet to determine if the system has a closed low level center, indicating a storm is becoming more organized and increasing in strength, said Maj. Ryan Rickert, 53rd WRS aerial reconnaissance weather officer. He is a member of the only Department of Defense organization that flies into tropical storms and hurricanes, a mission that began in 1944. Once a system becomes a tropical storm or hurricane, the Hurricane Hunters begin flying “fix” missions, which are at higher altitudes, ranging from 2,500 to 10,000 feet depending on the severity of the storm, said Rickert. The squadron is scheduled to fly a fix mission tomorrow off the coast of the Yucatan. Aircrews fly through the eye of a storm four to six times to locate the low-pressure center and circulation of the storm. During each pass through the eye, they release a dropsonde, which collects weather data on its descent to the ocean surface, specifically gathering the surface winds and pressure. The data the Hurricane Hunters collect is sent by satellite communication to the National Hurricane Center to assist them with their forecasts and storm warnings. According the NHC, both systems have the potential to become tropical storms over the next 48 hours. “It’s important to be prepared. It’s why we do this, so we can have better forecasts and people have time to prepare and evacuate,” said Rickert. Source: http://www.afrc.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/1218912/air-force-reserve-hurricane-hunters-to-fly-first-tropical-systems-of-season/ View full article

More than 75 Airmen from the Kentucky Air National Guard deployed to Spain and Morocco this spring for African Lion, a multinational exercise that tested the interoperability of military troops from 11 countries. Members of the 123rd Airlift Wing and three of the unit’s C-130 aircraft joined forces with Airmen from U.S. Air Forces in Europe, U.S. Air Force Global Strike Command, Air Forces Africa joint tactical air controllers, the Utah Air National Guard, the Royal Moroccan Armed Forces and troops from nine other nations. More than 75 Airmen from the Kentucky Air National Guard deployed to Spain and Morocco this spring for African Lion, a multinational exercise that tested the interoperability of military troops from 11 countries. Members of the 123rd Airlift Wing and three of the unit’s C-130 aircraft joined forces with Airmen from U.S. Air Forces in Europe, U.S. Air Force Global Strike Command, Air Forces Africa joint tactical air controllers, the Utah Air National Guard, the Royal Moroccan Armed Forces and troops from nine other nations. “Multinational exercises give us an opportunity to train together, allow us to support joint and total forces and strengthen our skills for future operations,” said Lt. Col. Jason Johnson, U.S. Air Force lead commander for the exercise, which ran from April 19 to 28. The U.S. Air Force’s participation in the U.S. Marine Corps-led exercise provided several joint training opportunities for U.S. military branches and Moroccan forces, according to said Capt. Tristan Stonger, 123rd Airlift Wing exercise project officer. It also provided an opportunity to reinforce lessons learned from past African Lion exercises and helped build upon a foundation for future military cooperation and engagements. “Working in a new environment with other U.S. military branches and the Moroccans gives us the opportunity to hone and refine our skills and enhances our professional relationships, allowing us to support the interoperability of forces,” Stonger said. In addition to building relationships between the branches of the military and the Kingdom of Morocco, the wing was able to perform several different training scenarios to prepare for future deployments, including low-level air drops and low-level navigation through the mountains of North Africa. “This type of training helps keep our aircrews current and fully prepared and trained for any type of airlift operation that our nation calls for,” said Maj. Penn Brown, a pilot for Kentucky’s 165th Airlift Squadron. This annually scheduled, combined multilateral exercise aims to improve interoperability and mutual understanding of each nation’s tactics, techniques and procedures while demonstrating the strong bond between the nations’ militaries. In addition to forces from the United States and Morocco, other participating nations were Germany, Senegal, Mauritania, Canada, France, Spain, Great Britain, Mali and Tunisia. Source: https://www.dvidshub.net/news/237033/kentucky-air-guard-trains-with-troops-11-nations-morocco-african-lion View full article

Kentucky Air National Guard crew chiefs prepare a 123rd Airlift Wing C-130 Hercules for flight at Naval Station Rota, Spain, prior to take off on April 27, 2017, during Exercise African Lion. Multiple units from the U.S. Marine Corps, U.S. Army, U.S. Navy, U.S. Air Force and the Kentucky and Utah Air National Guards conducted multilateral and stability operations training with units from the Royal Moroccan Armed Forces in the Kingdom of Morocco during the exercise, which ran from April 19 to 28. The annual combined multilateral exercise is designed to improve interoperability and mutual understanding of each nation’s tactics, techniques and procedures while demonstrating the strong bond between the nations’ militaries. Source: https://www.dvidshub.net/image/3464968/kentucky-air-guard-participates-african-lion View full record

Lockheed Martin is giving a Paris air show debut to its new LM-100J commercial freighter, less than a month after its maiden sortie. Parked on the static display, the turboprop-powered aircraft is designed as a replacement for the 115 L-100 freighters the company delivered in the 1964-1992 period. Lockheed first flew the Rolls-Royce AE 2100D3-powered type on 25 May, and is already well on the way to wrapping up its test effort, with the US Federal Aviation Administration becoming involved "by August", says LM-100J chief test pilot Wayne Roberts. Lockheed Martin is giving a Paris air show debut to its new LM-100J commercial freighter, less than a month after its maiden sortie. Parked on the static display, the turboprop-powered aircraft is designed as a replacement for the 115 L-100 freighters the company delivered in the 1964-1992 period. Lockheed first flew the Rolls-Royce AE 2100D3-powered type on 25 May, and is already well on the way to wrapping up its test effort, with the US Federal Aviation Administration becoming involved "by August", says LM-100J chief test pilot Wayne Roberts. Advertisement: Replay Ad Ads by ZINC 3 All test flights should be "done by year-end", he says, leading to FAA certification early next year, followed by delivery to an undisclosed launch customer. Roberts, who was aboard for the first flight, says: "It flies as wonderfully as it always has. For 60 years, it has operated into some of the shortest runways in the world. "It still does that extremely well, but it now has new avionics and engines too." Essentially a tweaked version of the C-130J tactical transport, the civil freighter benefits from the over 20 years and 1.5 million flight hours of the military model. In addition, features such as night-vision-goggle and air-drop capability will be transferred across to the LM-100J, although these will not be certificated initially. And although the C-130J is offered in both long- and short-fuselage variants, the freighter will only be sold in its longer, 34.37m (112ft 9in) guise. So far, Lockheed has amassed five firm orders from an undisclosed customer, as well tentative commitments of 10 aircraft each from ASL Aviation Group and Brazil's Bravo Industries. As well as cargo transport, Lockheed sees potential for the LM-100J to perform a number of missions including aerial firefighting, search and rescue, and VIP transport. "The C-130J can support 17 different missions and the LM-100J can support 13 of those," adds Roberts. Source: https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/paris-lockheed-martin-upbeat-on-lm-100j-prospects-438339/ View full article

Lockheed Martin has begun flight tests of its LM-100J commercial freighter version of the C-130J Hercules military airlifter, with FAA certification planned for 2018. The aircraft made its first flight from Marietta, Georgia, on May 25. The LM-100J is one of a growing list of commercial products from the defense contractors, including the LMH-1 heavy-lift cargo hybrid airship and LM-XE small long-endurance unmanned aircraft system, which is based on the military Stalker XE. Lockheed Martin has begun flight tests of its LM-100J commercial freighter version of the C-130J Hercules military airlifter, with FAA certification planned for 2018. The aircraft made its first flight from Marietta, Georgia, on May 25. The LM-100J is one of a growing list of commercial products from the defense contractors, including the LMH-1 heavy-lift cargo hybrid airship and LM-XE small long-endurance unmanned aircraft system, which is based on the military Stalker XE. A second LM-100J is in final assembly, and first deliveries to the still-undisclosed launch customer are scheduled for 2018. The LM-100J is a version of the long-body C-130J-30 and a follow-on to the L-100 civil Hercules produced up to the early 1990s. The main changes from the C-130J are the deletion of military-specific hardware and software, including provisions for defensive countermeasures, secure communications and electronic warfare systems, formation lights and station-keeping equipment. The main external difference is the lack of lower windows below the windscreen. Internally, the LM-100J has a simpler gaseous-oxygen system rather than liquid oxygen. The Rolls-Royce AE21000-D3 engines, Dowty propellers and the cargo-handling system are the same as the C-130J’s. The LM-100J can carry a 40,000-lb. payload 2,450 nm. One of the target markets is in the development of remote areas, including mining and oil and gas exploration. Lockheed is also targeting this market with the LMH-1, which is designed to carry 47,000 lb. 1,400 nm but does not require runways. The hybrid airship is scheduled to fly in 2018, and deliveries are planned to begin in 2019. Lockheed Martin is at Chalet 324 and Static Display C2. Source: http://aviationweek.com/paris-air-show-2017/lockheed-begins-lm-100j-commercial-hercules-flights View full article

After a series of incidents with several platforms, the Belgian army has decided to ground its entire fleet of C-130 transport aircraft for two weeks. According to a military spokesman, the flight suspension of eleven C-130s is a result of "abnormal functioning of flight controls." Several incidents have occurred in recent weeks during the flights of the aircraft. However, since all platforms could eventually land safely, no damage could be measured. Nevertheless, the army decided to keep all C-130's grounded for a thorough investigation. During the suspension period, all parts of the air traffic control systems will be closely monitored: the mechanics, the electronics and the hydraulic systems. The Belgian army employed the C-130s in 1972 and 1973. The successors, seven Airbus A400M aircraft ordered in 2003, are not expected by the end of 2019. Source: http://en.c4defence.com/Archive/c130-fleet-under-investigation/4527/1

President Mauricio Macri visited the El Palomar Air Base, to inspect the first Hercules C-130 aircraft to undergo a modernization process entirely in the country. During his tour of the base, Macri spoke with Air Force aviators who operate these aircraft in humanitarian missions worldwide. The president was shown the details of the remodeling, escorted by the Defense Minister Julio Martínez and Air Force Chief-of-Staff Brigadier General Enrique Amrein among other high ranking military personnel. President Mauricio Macri visited the El Palomar Air Base, to inspect the first Hercules C-130 aircraft to undergo a modernization process entirely in the country. During his tour of the base, Macri spoke with Air Force aviators who operate these aircraft in humanitarian missions worldwide. The president was shown the details of the remodeling, escorted by the Defense Minister Julio Martínez and Air Force Chief-of-Staff Brigadier General Enrique Amrein among other high ranking military personnel. The Argentine Aircraft FADEA Factory modernized the aircraft with deadline-oriented domestic processes adapted from specifications from the United States. The entire remodeling took 10 months to be completed and involved more than 150 highly qualified technicians and engineers. Three additional C-130s are to undergo similar remodeling in the coming months. The aircraft registered TC-61 (c/n 4308 ) already completed a mission to Antarctica featuring new digital communication systems, navigation, digitization of in-cabin information , re-wiring and a new air conditioning system. Among the humanitarian missions the C-130s are usually chosen to perform is the assistance to victims such as those of an avalanche in Jujuy in March and the April floods in Comodoro Rivadavia a month ago as well as other natural catastrophes in Ecuador and Peru. In addition to that, the Hercules takes part in Antarctic missions thanks to its ability to operate at temperatures of minus 45 degrees Celsius. It crosses over 100 times per campaign from Rio Gallegos to the Argentine bases to bring in fuel, food and other types of supplies as well as personnel. It is also involved on a regular basis in scientific missions. Source: http://en.mercopress.com/2017/06/14/argentine-president-visits-first-hercules-completely-remodeled-in-the-country View full article

Belgium has temporarily withdrawn from service its 11 Lockheed Martin C-130 Hercules transport aircraft due to safety concerns, national media reported on 9 June. The C-130H-variant aircraft operated by the Belgian Air Component (BAC) will remain grounded for two weeks while checks are carried out following repeated "abnormal functioning of flight controls", the Belga news agency quoted a military spokesperson as saying. Belgium has temporarily withdrawn from service its 11 Lockheed Martin C-130 Hercules transport aircraft due to safety concerns, national media reported on 9 June. The C-130H-variant aircraft operated by the Belgian Air Component (BAC) will remain grounded for two weeks while checks are carried out following repeated "abnormal functioning of flight controls", the Belga news agency quoted a military spokesperson as saying. The BAC's C-130Hs are assigned to 20 Tactical Transport Squadron at Melsbroek Air Base, near Brussels, and are used for a range of airlift missions including support of Belgian Armed Forces deployments around the globe. Of the 12 C-130Hs that were acquired by Belgium in 1972, one was lost in 1996 and another destroyed by fire in 2006. One of these two lost aircraft was replaced in 2009 by a former US Air Force C-130E that had been upgraded to C-130H standard. Source: http://www.janes.com/article/71363/belgium-grounds-c-130s-over-safety-concerns View full article

Lockheed Martin has received a $59 million contract modification from the U.S. Air Force for the delivery of four customized KC-130J fuselage trainers. The Defense Department said Friday that Lockheed’s rotary and mission systems unit will modify C-130 airframe trainer systems to replicate the appearance, functions and performance of the KC-130J aircraft. Lockheed Martin has received a $59 million contract modification from the U.S. Air Force for the delivery of four customized KC-130J fuselage trainers. The Defense Department said Friday that Lockheed’s rotary and mission systems unit will modify C-130 airframe trainer systems to replicate the appearance, functions and performance of the KC-130J aircraft. DoD noted that modified trainers will support load training and pre- and post-flight inspections on the aircraft’s interior and exterior settings. The Air Force Life Cycle Management Center obligated the full amount of the modification from the service branch’s fiscal 2015 and fiscal 2016 procurement funds. Work will occur in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and Marietta, Georgia, through Dec. 31, 2021. Lockheed provides C-130J training devices as well as aircrew instruction, operations, engineering services and logistics support with the company’s C-130J maintenance and aircrew training systems. Source: http://blog.executivebiz.com/2017/06/lockheed-gets-59m-air-force-kc-130j-trainer-contract-modification/ View full article

Lockheed Martin's LM-100J commercial freighter aircraft will make its international debut at the 2017 International Paris Air Show. The aircraft will be on static display June 19-21 at Paris-Le Bourget Airport. The LM-100J represents the 17th different mission capability for the C-130J Super Hercules platform and is an updated version of the L-100 cargo aircraft, which Lockheed Martin produced from 1964-1992. The LM-100J made its first flight on May 25, 2017. Lockheed Martin's LM-100J (c/n 5818) commercial freighter aircraft will make its international debut at the 2017 International Paris Air Show. The aircraft will be on static display June 19-21 at Paris-Le Bourget Airport. The LM-100J represents the 17th different mission capability for the C-130J Super Hercules platform and is an updated version of the L-100 cargo aircraft, which Lockheed Martin produced from 1964-1992. The LM-100J made its first flight on May 25, 2017. "The LM-100J has performed remarkably well in flight tests just two weeks after its first flight. Because of this strong performance, we decided to fly the LM-100J to Paris to be on display at the world's greatest airshow," said George Shultz, vice president and general manager, Air Mobility & Maritime Missions at Lockheed Martin. "The LM-100J's presence at the Paris Air Show truly places it on the world's stage, offering an opportunity to highlight its proven capabilities and unmatched versatility to the global commercial marketplace. We are honored to introduce the world to the LM-100J!" Members of the media are invited to tour the LM-100J daily from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. local time. Reporters do not have to RSVP and can arrive at the aircraft with show press credentials. Members of the media are also invited to a C-130J Super Hercules media briefing at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, June 20. An LM-100J program update will be provided and news about a C-130J military variant will also be shared. The event will be held at Salle 2 in the Paris Air Show Media Centre. Source: http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/lockheed-martins-lm-100j-commercial-freighter-will-make-international-debut-at-2017-paris-air-show-300471925.html View full article

Coulson's C-130 Air Tankers Photo by Dan Megna View full record

The 130th Airlift Wing paid tribute today to the supportive community in the Kanawha Valley of West Virginia by unveiling the newly christened “Spirit of the Kanawha Valley” C-130H at McLaughlin Air National Guard Base. Col. Johnny Ryan, commander of the 130th AW, oversaw the plane naming ceremony held on the flight line overlooking the fleet of C-130s. Maj. Gen. James A. Hoyer, the Adjutant General of the West Virginia National Guard; Kent Carper, Kanawha County Commissioner president; Chief Master Sgt. of the West Virginia National Guard, James Dixon; and 130th Airlift Wing Command Chief Master Sgt., Kevin Cecil, were among the official party for the ceremony. The 130th Airlift Wing paid tribute today to the supportive community in the Kanawha Valley of West Virginia by unveiling the newly christened “Spirit of the Kanawha Valley” C-130H (95-6710 c/n 5418 ) at McLaughlin Air National Guard Base. Col. Johnny Ryan, commander of the 130th AW, oversaw the plane naming ceremony held on the flight line overlooking the fleet of C-130s. Maj. Gen. James A. Hoyer, the Adjutant General of the West Virginia National Guard; Kent Carper, Kanawha County Commissioner president; Chief Master Sgt. of the West Virginia National Guard, James Dixon; and 130th Airlift Wing Command Chief Master Sgt., Kevin Cecil, were among the official party for the ceremony. Tail number 6710, an aircraft that has been in service for more than 22 years, was dubbed the “Spirit of the Kanawha Valley” as a reminder of the important link between the Air National Guard and the communities in which they serve. Hoyer underscored the significance of that link in his speech to the crowd, noting that it served as the foundation of the state militia, which later became the National Guard, and is integral part of our unique mission serving our communities and state. Ryan emphasized the important role that the citizens surrounding the 130th Airlift Wing play in his remarks. “The people of the Kanawha Valley represent the spirit of tenacity, hard work, and resiliency. This small acknowledgement will be a daily reminder to our crews of the importance of the work they do and the unwavering support they receive while doing it,” Ryan said. “The ‘Spirit of the Kanawha Valley’ is meant to remind our unit members and the people of the community that we are all connected. We have a proud heritage of service that predates even the Air Force here at McLaughlin Air National Guard Base, and this community has helped us to keep it alive. They have shown continuous support throughout our storied 70-year history and continue to back the men and women of this outstanding organization as we take on missions throughout the world.” The plane naming ceremony came to be because of a recommendation from the 130th Airlift Wing’s Chiefs Council, who sought a way to build morale through heritage and tradition. Chief Master Sgt. Larry Daugherty, 130th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron Superintendent, explained, “We chose a name in an effort to tie our unit to the communities in which we live, in which we work, and in which we raise our families. We feel that it represents the way we work as a team and it’s an opportunity to give back to the community who supported us and also, it’s our way of showing we appreciated the support that the Kanawha Valley gives us, which allows us to do our jobs.” The “Spirit of the Kanawha Valley” is the first of four C-130Hs to be named from the 130th AW’s inventory of aircraft. Other names will include the “Spirit of Charleston,” “The General Mac,” in honor of founder of the West Virginia Air National Guard, Gen. James Kemp McLaughlin, and “The Spirit of West Virginia.” Unveilings and dedications of those aircraft will be held at a later date. Not since the late 1980s have aircraft from the 130th AW displayed names of cities or been dedicated to specific regions of the state. Source: https://www.dvidshub.net/news/237082/spirit-kanawha-valley-unveiled-130th-airlift-wing View full article

Spotting an iceberg is a thrill that lures many people to Newfoundland and Labrador, but nobody does it quite like the International Ice Patrol. This small unit of the United States Coast Guard watches the sea from the sky, keeping track of icebergs that endanger ships in the North Atlantic. The Ice Patrol uses the latest technology, but much of this crucial work is still done by people with binoculars. Marine Science Technician Brett Reel works as an ice spotter from a side window of the plane. Spotting an iceberg is a thrill that lures many people to Newfoundland and Labrador, but nobody does it quite like the International Ice Patrol. This small unit of the United States Coast Guard watches the sea from the sky, keeping track of icebergs that endanger ships in the North Atlantic. The Ice Patrol uses the latest technology, but much of this crucial work is still done by people with binoculars. Marine Science Technician Brett Reel works as an ice spotter from a side window of the plane. "Today, we are flying north which is a busy flight." Reel said. "Every time it's a busy flight. Because all the icebergs are coming down the coast in the Labrador current. Today we've found probably three or four hundred, so far." The mission For the crew, the day begins at St. John's International Airport. A massive Hercules C-130 airplane is loaded with more than 20,000 kilos of fuel for the 10-hour round trip, to the northern tip of Labrador and back. Commander Gabrielle McGrath has worked with the Ice Patrol for nearly a decade. "The mission of the international ice patrol is to monitor the iceberg danger in the Atlantic Ocean, and provide relevant iceberg warning products to the maritime community." she said. "So this time of year, things are starting to slow down a little bit. That's one of the main goals of this flight is to see how many icebergs are up to the north, and how many we expect to come down for the rest of the season." The patrol may have a private plane, but this is no pleasure trip. Inside the Hercules, you'll find none of the comforts of commercial air travel. It's extremely loud; instead of a menu, the seat pockets contain life preservers, and every spare inch of space is crammed with equipment. Iceberg Alley On this flight, the patrol is going up and then down Iceberg Alley, the flow of ocean current that brings icebergs from Greenland, down the coast of Labrador and towards Newfoundland. But that current intersects with one of the world's busiest shipping lanes. "When we have icebergs in that area, we set an iceberg limit." says Commander McGrath. "Which is basically saying, if the ships stay to the south and east of that line, they'll stay out of the danger of iceberg collision. So they may have to adjust their course up to 400 miles out of their way to go around that dangerous area of icebergs." Sophisticated radar helps with ice detection, but up here, there are millions of pieces of ice floating on the surface. Brett Reel says that's where the crew comes in. "Sometimes the radar has a really hard time telling the difference between sea ice and an iceberg. An iceberg is coming from a glacier, normally from Greenland. And sea ice is just the surface of the ocean that's frozen." he said. All of the data is fed into a computer model, that creates a predictive map of iceberg locations. The International Ice Patrol was created in 1913, in the aftermath of the Titanic disaster. It has flown in every iceberg season since, except during the two world wars. Now, this season is winding down. But for the crew, the things they see from up here don't just get entered in a computer. Even today, we're flying only 400, 500 feet off the water, and you look down like, man that's really cool. I actually took video on my phone, because it doesn't get old." said Reel. Marine Science Technician Lauren Crocker is finishing her first year with the Ice Patrol. She says it's a posting she will never forget. "I think the most important thing is this is something that not everyone gets to do. It feels special, you feel like you're doing something that's not only important to the maritime community, but it's just so unique. How could you pass it up?" See source for more images and video: http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/newfoundland-labrador/ice-patrol-1.4152145 View full article

An airshow favorite across America, the C-130T transport known as Fat Albert has not attended an airshow since last July following the Blue Angels maintenance team’s decision to begin a complete overhaul on the aging aircraft. Bert’s maintenance at Hill Air Force Base in Utah has involved the removal and upgrade of it’s four turboprop engines; the removal and structural inspection of its wings; wiring inspections and repairs; and a complete paint removal followed by a new paint job. An airshow favorite across America, the C-130T transport known as Fat Albert has not attended an airshow since last July following the Blue Angels maintenance team’s decision to begin a complete overhaul on the aging aircraft. Bert’s maintenance at Hill Air Force Base in Utah has involved the removal and upgrade of it’s four turboprop engines; the removal and structural inspection of its wings; wiring inspections and repairs; and a complete paint removal followed by a new paint job. Bert’s prime job is the transportation of key support personnel and hardware from Pensacola Naval Air Station, the home of the Blue Angels, to each airshow site. Bert takes-off loaded with nearly 10,000 pounds of aircraft hardware, nearly sixty support members, and airshow logistics two days prior to an airshow. The blue, yellow, and white Lockheed Martin-built aircraft is a crowd favorite as Bert takes to the skies to begin the Blue Angels one hour long demonstration followed by the six Navy F/A-18 Hornets. Bert’s crew puts the aircraft through several maneuvers including several low passes and a short-field assault landing during it’s 12-minute demonstration. The squadron has used another KC-130T — nicknamed Ernie — in Bert’s place this year. Major Mark Hamilton, Major Mark Montgomery, and Major Kyle Maschner will perform the flying this season, while four crewmembers — GySgt. Beau Beville, Sgt. Anthony Black, GySgt. Jason Glatfelter, and GySgt. Stephen Stewart — make up the logistics crew. “Good to see my old friend again,” Maj. Hamilton said on Tuesday. The entire crew departed Hill, AFB aboard Fat Albert on Tuesday, and will make two stops this week en route to their arrival at NAS Pensacola on Friday. Fat Albert’s all-Marine crew will spend at least two weeks training aboard the C-130T prior to the aircraft’s official return. The Blue Angels have not announced an official return date for Fat Albert to an airshow site. Source: http://www.avgeekery.com/hes-back-blue-angels-c-130-fat-albert-poised-to-return-to-airshow-duty/ View full article

There are now two fire air tankers at the Santa Maria Airport. The C-130 typically stations out in Sacramento has been moved to Santa Maria after the base closed. The C-130 arrived Saturday and can hold 3,000 gallons of water or fire retardant. There are now two fire air tankers at the Santa Maria Airport. The C-130 typically stations out in Sacramento has been moved to Santa Maria after the base closed. The C-130 arrived Saturday and can hold 3,000 gallons of water or fire retardant. Fire crews say they are ready for this fire season. "Last winter was such a wet winter that the fire season this year on the West Coast is expected to maybe start later and last longer," said Matt Ringlein, the C-130 Air Tanker captain. "Some of these early season fires were a good fill-in. One of the other reasons we are down in Santa Maria is because there is not a lot of civilian and, or other agency tankers that are on status. We are on status." The other air tanker, a DC-10, has been assigned to the Santa Maria Air Tanker Base for the last two years. Source: http://www.ksby.com/story/35595407/firefighting-airplanes-at-the-ready-at-santa-maria-airport View full article

Thanks Bob! I added the tail number and c/n to Graywolf88's post.

Does anyone know what the aircraft's tail number was? I would like to link this post to the database. --Casey