Metalbasher

C-130 Pilots Test Out ‘Entirely New’ Cockpit For Aging ‘H’ Models Oct. 17, 2023 | By David Roza Pilots at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., are testing out a new cockpit layout for the C-130H transport plane that will replace its analog gauges with glass multifunction displays, digital engine instruments, a new flight management system, autopilot, terrain awareness and warning system and other digital upgrades that should make the aircraft safer and easier to fly. “This is much larger than just a software or hardware upgrade,” Maj. Jacob Duede, an experimental test pilot with the 417th Flight Test Squadron, said in an Oct. 17 press release. “It’s reconstructing and modernizing the aircraft’s entire cockpit area.” An old workhorse, the C-130H has been in service since 1965, though the average age of today’s fleet is about 30 years. The Active-Duty Air Force has switched entirely to the newer C-130J Super Hercules, but the Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve Command still fly more than 100 of the H models, and in recent years, the Air Force has upgraded several dozen H models with new propellers, better radios, navigation systems, and voice and flight data recorders. The newly all digital C-130H cockpit sits ready for its next test flight at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., Sept. 29, 2023. U.S. Air Force photo by Samuel King Jr. Those upgrades made up Avionics Modernization Program (AMP) Increment One, but more changes are on the way with AMP Increment Two, which the pilots at Eglin have been testing out since August. At least 23 Air Force Reserve and 54 Air National Guard H models will receive the second upgrade over the next five years for about $7 million per aircraft, the release stated. Among the changes, a new flight management system should help pilots save time and reduce the chance of errors when uploading route information. “Aircrew essentially had to print the directions before flying and then type the information in using latitude and longitude or use ground-based navigation aids,” Duede said about the old systems. “This new mod is the newest GPS navigation with a by-name search function and autopilot, all built into the aircraft.” Instead of taking minutes to enter new latitude and longitude coordinates from a tablet or laptop into the aircraft computer, pilots flying the upgraded H can just point and click their new destination on a glass display in less than 30 seconds. “The new process is as quick as the first step of the old process,” Duede said. “You just identify the point on the moving map, grab it, and execute the flight plan.” There is also a significant safety upgrade in the form of the Integrated Terrain Awareness and Warning System, which detects when the aircraft is coming too close to the ground and warns the crew while they still have time to course correct. The new system is built into the aircraft, rather than being carried aboard tablets and laptops as is the case today. A new terrain awareness and warning system could be useful for many C-130 missions that involve flying close to the ground, such as aerial firefighting, aerial spraying, and low-altitude airdrops. A C-130 Hercules aircraft assigned to the 153rd Airlift Wing, Wyoming Air National Guard, comes in for a landing at the Jeffco Airtanker base, Colorado for annual Modular Airborne Fire System training May 13, 2021. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Tech. Sgt. Jon Alderman) Only three of the H model’s original analog gauges will survive AMP Increment Two, which will include six multifunction displays. Such a transition affects flight deck workflow, where aircrew must quickly scan instruments to perform complicated procedures like aerial refueling or landing at night in bad weather. The big change called for a thorough testing process. “This is an entirely new system,” Caleb Reeves, a test engineer who helped design the test plan for the 417th FLTS, said in the release. “Everything we’re testing here is being done for the first time ever in this aircraft. We’re also examining if these untried systems perform in the ways we thought they would or not. That data allows us to adjust our testing and provide feedback to the manufacturer.” Some of the tests involve flying at terrain and obstacles to make sure the new warning systems work. The 417th will complete developmental testing for the first H model to receive the Increment Two upgrade by the end of the year before sending it to the Air National Guard/Air Force Reserve Command Test Center in Little Rock, Ark., for operational testing. Developmental testing gauges the performance of new systems, while operational testing does so under realistic operating environments. Pilots from Little Rock augmented Eglin crews during developmental testing so that they are better prepared for the upgraded H arrival. More C-130s are expected to begin developmental testing at Eglin later this month.

Four More Guard Wings Tapped for Upgrade to C-130J Sept. 14, 2023 | By Greg Hadley The Air Force has selected four more Air National Guard wings to transition to the new C-130J Super Hercules, a key inflection point as the Guard modernizes. The C-130Js feature a roomier, “stretched” fuselage, more powerful engines with composite six-blade propellers, and digital avionics and mission computers. That means J’s can fly faster, higher, and farther than the C-130H. The four wings receiving new C-130Js in place of H-models: 103rd Airlift Wing, in Connecticut 120th Airlift Wing, in Montana 133rd Airlift Wing, in Minnesota 182nd Airlift Wing, in Illinois Each wing is getting eight C-130Js, with the timeline to be determined, according to a release. Final approval of the plan is pending as the Air Guard awaits completion of an environmental impact study no later than fiscal 2025. Six other Guard wings are already flying or scheduled to receive the C-130J: 123rd Airlift Wing, in Kentucky 130th Airlift Wing, in West Virginia 136th Airlift Wing, in Texas 143rd Airlift Wing, in Rhode Island 146th Airlift Wing, in California 165th Airlift Wing, in Georgia Additionally, the Arkansas Air National Guard’s 189th Airlift Wing has been selected to host the Guard’s C-130J Formal Training Unit, gaining four C-130Js in addition to its existing C-130H schoolhouse. The 165th Wing in Georgia is the latest unit to make the transition to the J model. Its last C-130H departed Savannah Air National Guard Base, Ga., on Aug. 18, and the newer aircraft are slated to start arriving in December. Once the latest four wings receive their new airframes, the Guard will have more J-models than H’s, with just five units still flying the older model: 139th Airlift Wing, in Missouri 152nd Airlift Wing, in Nevada 153rd Airlift Wing, in Wyoming 166th Airlift Wing, in Delaware 179th Airlift Wing, in Ohio The Guard is catching up to the Active-Duty force, which has already completed its transition from the C-130H. 4 Air National Guard locations chosen for next C-130H to C-130J upgrades Published Sept. 14, 2023 Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs WASHINGTON (AFNS) -- The Department of the Air Force selected 103rd Airlift Wing (Hartford, Connecticut), 120th Airlift Wing (Great Falls, Montana), 133rd Airlift Wing (Minneapolis), and 182nd Airlift Wing (Peoria, Illinois), as the preferred locations to receive C-130J Super Hercules to replace their aging C-130Hs, pending the outcome of environmental assessments. A total of eight C-130J aircraft will be used to recapitalize the aging C-130H fleet at each location. This significant series upgrade will require new flight qualification for pilots and loadmasters transitioning airframes. Any excess in manpower due to this shift will be repurposed through the Air National Guard corporate process and will vary by location. The Air National Guard will analyze each unit to determine the bed down sequencing timelines. The Department of the Air Force will now conduct an environmental impact analysis at each location, which are expected to be completed in fiscal year 2025 before a final decision is made. Scott Ward

C-130H 80-0326, has been repainted to wear C-130H #91-9141 (previously assigned to NFARS) and parked on display at Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station, NY.

165th Airlift Wing bids farewell to last C-130H Hercules A C-130 Hercules aircraft formerly assigned to the 165th Airlift Wing (AW), Savannah Air National Base, Georgia, lifts off the runway at Savannah/Hilton-Head International Airport August 18, 2023. The C-130H Hercules aircraft, which has been flown by Savannah aircrews for 41 years, will continue being flown at the 166th Airlift Wing, Delaware Air National Guard as the 165 AW prepares to receive its first new C-130J Super Hercules aircraft by the end of December 2023.

Yep, previously posted article in the forum indicated Harrisburg was transitioning away from EC-130Js to MC-130Js...few used ones and few new ones.

Last week, our Guard Airmen with the 193rd Special Operations Wing made history as they were the first, and only Air Guard unit to receive the MC-130J Commando II mission. It was a very humbling moment to be a part of this incredible aircraft's historic first flight with our Pennsylvania National Guard Airmen as we welcomed a new era of air power for our Air National Guard!

Here’s What Units Will Move to Davis-Monthan to Join AFSOC’s New Power Projection Wing Aug. 2, 2023 | By Greg Hadley The Air Force unveiled plans for the new 492nd Power Projection Wing that will replace the A-10 mission at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz., on Aug. 2, describing for the first time which units will be included. The new wing will be part of Air Force Special Operations Command and draw units from around the country. The 492nd Special Operations Wing will be re-missioned and re-designated, providing the headquarters element; it will relocate to Arizona from Hurlburt Field, Fla., where it is has led AFSOC’s training and education efforts. The 492nd will be AFSOC’s third Power Projection Wing, but the Air Force did not immediately say what other wings will get that designation. The new term is meant to encompass all of AFSOC’s mission capabilities—strike, mobility, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance, and air/ground coordination—so the command can “regionally focus each power projection wing on a geographic combatant commander,” according to a release. “The transition will also allow AFSOC to further diversify its locations to protect against natural disasters by ensuring it can maintain its ability to respond to president-directed missions on very tight timelines,” the release stated. Units coming to Davis-Monthan include: One MC-130J Commando II squadron from Cannon Air Force Base, N.M. One AO-1K Armed Overwatch squadron from Hurlburt Field, Fla., The 21st Special Tactics Squadron from Pope Army Airfield, N.C. The 22nd Special Tactics Squadron from Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash. The 492nd Theater Air Operations Squadron will activate at Duke Field, Fla., and transfer Davis-Monthan is losing most of its A-10 Thunderbolts, as three squadrons inactivate and send their 78 A-10s to the boneyard: The 47th Fighter Squadron The 354th Fighter Squadron The 357th Fighter Squadron In addition to the 492nd PPW, Davis-Monthan will also gain five HH-60W helicopters from the 34th Weapons Squadron and 88th Test and Evaluation Squadron, which will relocate from Nellis Air Force Base, Nev.. The moves will occur slowly over five years and pending an environmental impact analysis. The Air Force first revealed plans for the 492nd Power Projection Wing in its 2024 budget documents, and Chief of Staff Gen. Charles Q. Brown Jr. provided further details during a congressional hearing in April. “Their access to the ranges that are there in Arizona and in the western United States will increase their training opportunity,” Brown said. For years, Arizona lawmakers in Congress have been some of the fiercest advocates for the A-10, repeatedly blocking Air Force attempts to retire the venerable close air support aircraft. The arrival of the 492nd and other missions, however, has seemingly softened that opposition. This spring, Sens. Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.) and Kyrsten Sinema (I-Ariz.), along with Reps. Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.) and Juan Ciscomani (R-Ariz.), released a joint letter saying they were “encouraged by the Air Force’s intention to bring new, durable flying missions” to Davis-Monthan, noting that the base’s population will hold steady at roughly 9,600 Airmen and civilians. U.S. Air Force Airmen inspect an A-10 Thunderbolt II from the 924th Fighter Group during the 355th Maintenance Group’s 4th quarter crew chief competition at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz., Jan. 6, 2023. U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Paige Weldon

Pretty sure. CWB s were coming up on time, so since they did not have a CWB replacement program in place, faster, easier and cheaper to buy new acft, rather than lose aircraft availability (due to replacment time) and sell off their used Js. Lots of perspective buyers due to LMCO no longer making the original CWB, only ESL and the ESL is not compatible with older Bs and Es that many are still flying.

Multi billion dollar investment in new C-130J Hercules aircraft for the RAAF July 24, 2023 (by Asif Shamim) - The Albanese Government will purchase 20 new C-130J Hercules aircraft for the Royal Australian Air Force for $9.8 billion. This will provide the Air Force with a state-of-the-art C-130 Hercules to meet the air transport needs of the future. RAAF C-130J-30 #A97-467 sits on the flight line at Mountain Home AFB on November 1, 2018. [USAF photo by SrA Alaysia Berry] The new acquisitions will replace and expand upon the 12 Hercules aircraft currently operated by Air Force with delivery of the first aircraft expected from late 2027. There will be significant benefits for the Australian industry from the expanded fleet size, with opportunities to construct facilities and infrastructure and to sustain the aircraft. The Australian Defence Force relies on the C-130J Hercules aircraft for the deployment of personnel, equipment and humanitarian supplies. The iconic aircraft is regularly used in search and rescue missions, disaster relief and medical evacuation. The C-130J has been involved in almost every major Defence operation in recent decades, from Bougainville assistance and Timor-Leste peacekeeping to conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan. More recently the aircraft supported Australia’s response to COVID-19 in the region, delivering vaccines and medical supplies, as well bushfire and flood response. The C-130J Hercules is made by Lockheed Martin and is being purchased from the United States. The aircraft will continue to be operated by No. 37 Squadron at RAAF Base Richmond in NSW. Quotes attributable to Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence, the Hon Richard Marles MP: "The C-130J Hercules is an important capability for our defence force, but also for Australia as a nation. "From bushfire and flood emergencies across the country, the delivery of crucial supplies to the region during the COVID-19 pandemic and more than two decades supporting peacekeeping operations, this has and will continue to be a crucial asset. "The Albanese Government is committed to ensuring the ADF is equipped with the capabilities it needs to keep Australians safe, and this targeted expansion of the fleet size will do just that." Quotes attributable to Minister for Defence Industry, the Hon Pat Conroy MP: "The Government is ensuring the Australian Defence Force is equipped with brand new C-130J Hercules aircraft, and more of them, to respond to the wide range of challenges our nation will face in the future. "Since 1999, the C-130J Hercules has served Australia across our region and beyond, proving to be a reliable workhorse in roles from humanitarian operations to conflict zones. "Having 20 aircraft, up from 12, will mean more opportunities for local industry to sustain the aircraft, creating more Australian jobs. There’ll also be jobs associated with infrastructure redevelopments at RAAF Base Richmond."

165th AW completes final overseas exercise flying the C-130H during Air Defender 2023 July 17, 2023 (by MSgt. Caila Arahood) - This summer, one Savannah C-130 Hercules aircraft along with nearly 60 Airmen from the 165th Airlift Wing, Georgia Air National Guard, traveled to Germany in support of Air Defender 2023, the largest collective defense air exercise since the inception of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization in 1949. USAF C-130H #93-1562 from 158 AS, taxis on the runway at Wunstorf AB during exercise Air Defender 2023 (AD23) on June 20, 2023. [ANG photo by MSgt. Caila Arahood] This exercise marks a historic milestone for the 165th AW, as it was the final large-scale exercise the wing participated in flying its C-130H Hercules aircraft after 49 years. The wing will begin its conversion in mid-July to become one of the Air National Guard's newest C-130J Super Hercules fleets. Over the month of June, Germany's air force, called the Luftwaffe, hosted more than 200 aircraft from over 25 countries participating alongside 40-plus Air National Guard units from 35 states. With the Air Force and Air National Guard contributing some 2,000 Airmen along with 100 aircraft to the exercise, the U.S. showcased interoperability and its reinforcing commitment to partners both regionally and across the globe. "I don't know how you all feel about this exercise, but I can tell you this, this exercise does not happen without mobility," said U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. Michael A. Loh, the director of the Air National Guard, to Airmen during a visit to Wunstorf Air Base June 22, 2023. The Savannah unit, which prides itself on being "America's Best Team, World's Best Airlift," has flown the C-130H Hercules model for nearly five decades. They showcased their expertise and skills in the air mobility mission by completing critical tactical airlift missions throughout AD23, according to Col. Rusty Ballard, commander of the 182nd Airlift Wing and officer in charge of the C-130 detachment during the exercise. "The C-130s operating here at Wunstorf really are the backbone of the exercise because our counterparts flying fighter jets could not even operate if they didn't have C-130s getting their cargo to their areas of operation," said Ballard, In addition to the deployment and redeployment of cargo and passengers, Savannah flew several missions during the exercise that consisted of multi-ship tactical formations, personnel airdrops as well as cargo airdrop missions alongside nine other ANG units. The Savannah tail was the highest contributor to flight hours ending with 44.9 hours overall, 36 flown sorties, 79 passengers, and 113,050 lbs of cargo moved and 40 passengers airdropped. Additionally, Savannah flew two high-visibility missions during the exercise, including one formation flight to Lithuania and a foreign media flight. Over the course of four weeks, air mobility Airmen completed over 351 flight hours, moved more than 1.3 million pounds of cargo, transported over 1300 passengers, and used nearly 460,000 lbs of fuel to do so, said Ballard. While the 182nd AW's commander and key staff out of Peoria, Illinois, was the lead wing for the air mobility side of the mission, Savannah's team held many lead roles on the planning and operations teams for the duration of the exercise that led to overall mission accomplishment. "Over the course of the month here in Germany we had several key players leading the way for the C-130 mission out of Wunstorf Air Base," said Maj. Katie Parker, the chief of weapons and tactics with the 165th AW and the C-130 liaison officer for AD23. "Some of Savannah's best were here making the mission happen including Senior Master Sgt. Adam Lindamood as the lead of log plans, Chief Master Sgt. Terry Johnson as the chief of maintenance, Capt. John Cox as the officer in charge of the maintenance operations center, Master Sgt. Caila Arahood as the NCOIC of public affairs operations, Senior Master Sgt. Timothy Hayes as the NCOIC of fuels, and Chief Master Sgt. Medie Still as the senior enlisted leader for all the Airmen at this location." The hard work and mission impact of the Savannah team was recognized at the highest levels, with Capt. John Cox was coined by Loh during his visit to Wunstorf Air Base on June 22. "As the liaison officer for the C-130 detachment working alongside my counterparts at National Guard Bureau for a majority of the exercise, I was proud to hear and see all of the Airmen from Savannah taking on the challenges in front of them and ensuring the C-130 team accomplished the mission, " said Parker. "All 10 C-130 units came together as one team and performed beyond expectations alongside two allied nations, Germany and Romania." Airmen from across multiple career fields had the opportunity to work with allies in a way that they hadn't before which gave a whole new perspective on what it means to build relationships and learn to operate together if conflict does arise in the future. Captain John Maloney, a C-130 Hercules pilot assigned to the 158th Airlift Squadron, 165 AW, agreed, "Being on the road and a part of this exercise has allowed me to see firsthand how each member and task is involved in making everything work." Maloney said he thinks it is important to train with our allies and partners to ensure we can integrate the variety of tasks, training, and aircraft capabilities alongside our allies successfully. "Everyone wants the same common goals," said Maloney. "My biggest takeaway from Air Defender 2023 is just seeing everyone come together and work in full cooperation to meet the objectives of the exercise and complete the mission in a way that achieves those goals." Col. Sheldon A. Wilson, commander of the 165th AW, agreed. "A key objective of this exercise was to demonstrate air power alongside our allied and partner nations as well as promote our ability to merge our tactics with our allies and ensure if and when a threat is present, we can protect our own populations and armed forces," said Wilson. Airmen with the 165th AW completed nearly five decades of flying the C-130H Hercules on a high note by working alongside nearly 40 other ANG units and collaborating with 25 NATO countries across several locations throughout the duration of AD23.

Air Force Special Ops Wants Runway Independence, More Speed 7/14/2023 By Stew Magnuson Air Force photo TAMPA, Florida — Air Force Special Operations Command has a long technology wish list. The command is tasked with transporting commandos covertly, quickly and across long distances and to penetrate where other aircraft can’t normally go. Naturally, it wants to improve its performance in all these categories, especially the latter, taking personnel to locations where there are no runways — a job best carried out by rotary-wing aircraft. But what if almost three-fourths of the planet could serve as a runway by allowing fixed-wing aircraft to land on water? The entire Indo-Pacific could be considered a runway, SOCOM Acquisitions Executive James Smith told reporters recently. That’s the reasoning behind the idea to bolt pontoons onto a MC-130J airlifter to convert it into a float plane, a concept the command has been studying for more than two years. Air Force Col. Ken Kuebler, program executive officer for fixed-wing aircraft at SOCOM, said: “We continue to push forward with some of that technology [but] it’s a really hard engineering problem,” he said during a presentation at the SOF Week conference. The office is carrying out hydro- and sub-scale testing, studying how it would perform in various sea states, and is moving toward a critical design review, he said. In addition, the command is looking at more mundane day-to-day operations such as maintenance and support, equipment needs, training and “how do we go with this whole systems of systems approach to be able to do that,” he said. The command is working with several organizations to carry out the studies and tests. “We are looking at two to three years to go do a demonstration of the full capability,” he said. Kuebler was asked if the command would consider acquiring the ShinMaywa US-2 fixed-wing amphibious aircraft — which is flown by the Japan Self-Defense Force — as a stopgap solution. Nothing has been ruled out, Kuebler said. The program executive office has had talks with Japan about its float plane capabilities, especially as it works out concepts of operation and training, he said. “We are looking across the globe at these capabilities,” he said. “I think everything in the acquisition strategy is still on the table as we look at different lines of efforts to make sure that we can have a runway independent and amphibious capability,” he said. The ShinMaywa US-2 can land on runways or water and is primarily used for search-and-rescue missions. It can carry a crew of 11 plus 20 passengers, or 12 on stretchers. It is driven by six Rolls-Royce AE 2100 engines, has a 108-foot wingspan and cruises at about 300 miles per hour. It can operate in sea states of up to nine feet and on land only requires about one-quarter of the distance of a typical commercial airliner to take off and land, making it practical for many of Japan’s remote and austere runways. It has a range of 2,980 miles, which is roughly five and a half times farther than a typical search-and-rescue helicopter, according to information from its manufacturer ShinMaywa Industries Ltd. Japan currently has eight of the aircraft with plans to build six more. The company said the aircraft has saved more than 1,000 lives so far. ShinMaywa Industries is actively seeking export opportunities but has yet to find an overseas buyer for the aircraft. Former AFSOC deputy commander Maj. Gen. Eric Hill before he retired visited Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni in Japan in April 2022 to check out the US-2 and flew in it to observe the crew carrying out exercises, according to Stars and Stripes. The amphibious aircraft is “an incredible platform,” he said. “Flying an airplane that can land on water isn’t a new concept, but few aviators have the experience of amphibious aviation,” Hill told the newspaper. “Gaining lessons from our partners will help us learn what to anticipate as we begin to build our own tactics and techniques moving forward.” The purpose of the visit was to gather facts as SOCOM explores its own amphib program, he said. “We think partnering with our allies here and learning from them, seeing that they’re on their second variant of a seaplane, and I think there is a lot of education we can share back and forth,” Hill added. Smith, while not specifically addressing the US-2, said not every country has what it takes to partner with SOCOM when it comes to developing new technologies, but Japan does check off all the boxes. “We’re always looking for what I refer to as the ‘Goldilocks partnership,’” he said. First, Japan has invested heavily in its own special operations forces. Not every nation does, Smith noted. A potential partner should also have a robust industrial base capable of producing advanced technology. Obviously, Japan fits that description. Finally, they must have strong cybersecurity protocols in place to protect any information SOCOM shares with them, he said. “When we find a country that hits all three of those marks, we are interested in working with them,” he said. Meanwhile, Kuebler shared details on another new program being developed in partnership with the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency that has “runway independence” near the top of its requirements list. The agency in March revealed the Speed and Runway Independent Technologies, or SPRINT, X-plane demonstration project. Its Tactical Technology Office is soliciting proposals to design, build, certify and fly an X-plane to demonstrate speed and runway independence for a next generation of air mobility platforms, an agency statement said. The announcement said runway independence was “envisioned as the ability to operate and hover near unprepared surfaces, such as sections of damaged runways, remote highways/roadways, unprepared fields with dry grass, parking lots, etc.” The broad agency announcement released March 9 did not mention whether the aircraft should be crewed, uncrewed, or optionally piloted. The announcement also did not mention whether it should use conventional or hybrid engines, only that it “must demonstrate the ability to generate and distribute power in all modes of flight and during transition between these modes of flight.” The announcement did, however, specify that the aircraft be scalable, cruise at speeds from 400 to 450 knots and at relevant altitudes between 15,000 and 30,000 feet. It should carry a payload of 5,000 pounds, with a substantial 30-foot-long, eight-foot-wide cargo bay capable of carrying a small vehicle or two and a half pallets, it said. The initial requirement for endurance is one and a half hours and 200 nautical miles. While the announcement stressed runway independence, the most important capability AFSOC is looking for in the new X-plane is high speed, Kuebler said. What is the definition of “high-speed?” It’s whatever the program can provide, he said. “If I tell you 400 knots, then tomorrow I’ll be asking for 450 knots and the next day I’ll ask for 500, but we’re really trying to get after that win,” he added. It will be a three-phase project, with the first phase seeking proposals. The entities selected will share $15 million to refine their concepts. The second part includes a downselect with $75 million for risk reduction work and air certification approvals, then a further downselect to build and fly the aircraft. That amount was undisclosed. “The goal of SPRINT is to reach first flight of the demonstrator no more than 42 months from contract award,” the announcement said. The artist’s concept that accompanied the post portrayed an aircraft that looked much like the next-generation, autonomous hybrid-electric commuter aircraft that several companies are currently developing. Geoffrey Downer, SOCOM’s program executive officer for rotary wing, said a host of established aircraft makers and startups are offering so-called “flying cars” — all electric or electric-hybrid, runway independent vertical takeoff and landing vehicles that may appear to be a perfect fit for special operations missions — but so far, none impress. The PEO has studied many of the nascent industry’s commuter aircraft offerings but found that they are all lacking the requirements needed for special ops missions. “All these electric configurations don’t meet our helicopter missions based on the studies that we’re looking at,” he said. Special operations helicopters need to hover for long periods of time, and the new wave of electric aircraft don’t do that, he said. The amount of downwash is also problematic, as is the ability to get the crew in and out of the aircraft quickly, he said. PEO Rotary Wing will also start a program in 2024 with DARPA to look at hybrid-electric aircraft with the goal of increasing speed. “The studies that we’ve done [have] shown that you can get anywhere from 25 percent to 100 percent increase in speed,” he said. That could take it from 90 knots to 170 to 180 knots, he said. Or it could result in a 25 to 75 percent increase in range. “That’s huge,” he added. ND

1957 LOCKHEED HERCULES C-130 Turboprop Aircraft Select Your Currency $6,150,000 Aircraft Location: Goodyear Seller Information View Seller Information Jet Fleet Aviation LLC Contact: Steve Gage Phoenix, Arizona General Year 1957 Manufacturer LOCKHEED Model HURCULES C-130 Serial Number 560511 Condition Used Description Currently flying, Seller buying larger aircraft, USA based & registered. STRICT Terms of sale: Buyer, End-user, and related parties must be in good standing with, and in compliance with, all U.S. laws and regulations, and Buyer and End user in compliance with all required United States permits/paperwork for this type aircraft. (Thank You). Offered subject to signed sales agreement between Buyer/Seller including all U.S. Government required paperwork. Principals only please, no commissions will be paid to 3rd parties. Currently flying. Not eligible for Standard Airworthiness cert. Jet Fleet Aviation LLC is the Exclusive Sales Agent for this aircraft. Airframe Total Time 15,400 Airframe Notes Currently flying, Seller buying larger aircraft, Trades considered See below for Strict Terms and Conditions of Sale Engine 1 Engine 1 Make/Model ALLISON Engine 1 Time 3,193 CZI Engine 1 TBO 3,500 Engine 2 Engine 2 Make/Model ALLISON Engine 2 Time 2,870 CZI Engine 2 Notes Engines 3/4 are low time: 78 & 412 hours . On Condition Auxiliary Power Unit APU Yes APU Notes Garrett GTC-85 APU Props Prop 1 Manufacturer HAMILTON STANDARD Number of Blades 4 Prop Notes 4 Bladed Avionics Flight Deck Manufacturer/Model GARMIN Multi-Function Display 1 Manufacturer/Model GARMIN GMX200 GPS 1 Manufacturer/Model GARMIN GNS430AW GPS 2 Manufacturer/Model GARMIN GNS430AW Transponder 1 Manufacturer/Model GARMIN GTX330ES ADS-B Equipped Yes Additional Equipment Additional Equipment Currently flying, USA based & registered. Modifications/Conversions Modifications/Conversions Jet Fleet Aviation LLC is the exclusive Sales Agent for this aircraft. Inspection Status Inspection Status Fresh C-check in 2021 **Payment stated above assumes a secured commercial loan transaction available to highly qualified applicants and listings between $1,500,000.01 - $6,250,000 assumes terms of 5 years with a 20-year amortization, 20% down payment and 6.25% APR. Actual terms available may vary depending on applicant and/or guarantor credit profile(s) and additional approval conditions. Financing approval may require pledge of collateral as security. Applicant credit profile including FICO is used for credit review. Commercial financing provided or arranged by Express Tech-Financing, LLC pursuant to California Finance Lender License #60DBO54873. Consumer financing arranged by Express Tech-Financing, LLC pursuant to California Finance Lender License #60DBO54873 and state licenses listed at this link. Consumer financing not available for consumers residing in Nevada, Vermont. Additional state restrictions may apply. Equal opportunity lender. https://www.controller.com/listing/for-sale/223645715/1957-lockheed-hurcules-c-130-turboprop-aircraft?fbclid=IwAR29owMpU7CVg-sysOtBsSijBgmkqTKw0ix2qlYcvsGPReRIbLfzi0hwFvw_aem_th_AYsLQ_X1QpQ53y8RqERV92R5Ua_f4wd-RbDImu-rIVyPmZUAFq0Rq7ahZjVF1XeHHhs&mibextid=Zxz2cZ

23 May 1969 A drunken U.S. Air Force assistant crew chief, Sgt. Paul Adams Meyer, 23, of Poquoson, Virginia, suffering anxiety over marital problems, started up a Lockheed C-130E Hercules, #63-7789, c/n 3856, of the 36th Tactical Airlift Squadron, 316th Tactical Airlift Wing, on hardstand 21 at RAF Mildenhall and took off in it at 0655 hrs. CET, headed for Langley AFB, Virginia. At least two North American F-100 Super Sabres of the 493d Tactical Fighter Squadron, RAF Lakenheath, a C-130 from Mildenhall, and two RAF English Electric Lightnings were sent aloft to try to make contact with the stolen aircraft. The Hercules flew over the Thames estuary and headed south toward Brighton. After flying over the English Channel, Meyer turned northwest. North of Cherbourg he changed direction, heading south to a point 30 miles north of Alderney. The Hercules crashed into the English Channel off Alderney (5000N, 0205W) ~90 minutes later. In the last transmission from Meyer, to his wife, in a link-up over the side-band radio, he stated 'Leave me alone for about five minutes, I've got trouble.' There was speculation whether the Hercules was shot down. Some wreckage was recovered but the pilot's body was never found. Meyer had been arrested for being drunk and disorderly earlier in the morning in the village of Freckenham and had been remanded to quarters, but sneaked out to steal the Hercules.

Final RAF C-130J mission set for 17 June as Hercules retirement nears By Dominic Perry17 April 2023 The UK’s long history as an operator of the Lockheed Martin C-130 Hercules will all but come to an end on 17 June when the Royal Air Force (RAF) performs its final mission with the type. Consisting of a three-ship fly-past as part of the King’s Birthday celebrations, the sortie will be a bittersweet moment ahead of the official retirement of the RAF’s remaining J-model aircraft on 30 June. Defence officials announced in 2021’s Integrated Review that the 15-strong C-130J fleet would be retired by 2023 due to cost savings, with operations transitioning to the Airbus Defence & Space A400M. That date was subsequently extended until end-June due to availability issues with the European type. Group Captain Gareth Burdett, Commander Air Wing – Air Mobility, says just six Hercules remain in RAF service. Those already withdrawn from use have been relocated to Marshall Aerospace in Cambridge where they are being prepared for sale. Although concerns had been raised at the A400M’s ability to take on all the missions performed by the smaller C-130J, Burdett says the Atlas has risen to the challenge. “There will be some capability gaps in very niche areas, all of the capability improvements have been significantly accelerated since the decision to sunset the Hercules was taken. “Many have been brought forward by a number of years and the most critical capabilities have had the gap eradicated.” He cites the A400M’s better range and payload over the C-130J, and its short-runway performance, as key attributes for end-users. “What our customers are saying is that they appreciate the benefits and enhancements the A400M can bring over the C-130 in almost every regard that enables them to deliver their mission more effectively,” he says. Reliability and availability have been a concern for all users of the A400M, with the type’s Europrop TP400 engines posing a particular issue. Burdett says the situation has improved thanks to joint efforts by Airbus Defence & Space and the Ministry of Defence, adding: “While we are yet to see the full benefit that their brochure promised, certainly we are seeing a stable and useable amount of aircraft that reflects the availability we’d expect from other [transport aircraft] fleets.” Cirium fleet data shows the RAF as operating 21 A400Ms; a 22nd and final example will be delivered by the end of the month, adds Burdett. Burdett, who is qualified on the C-130, has responsibility for the RAF’s Brize Norton-based transport fleet which includes the A400M, A330 Voyager multi-role tanker transport, and Boeing C-17. The UK has been a C-130 operator since the mid-1960s, taking delivery of its latest J-model examples from 1999.