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Metalbasher

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  1. Our newest C-130J Super Hercules received its official Savannah Tail Flash! ⚡️ Our aircraft structural maintenance shop put in the grind to get all the finishing touches on our new C-130J-30 Super Hercules — including the official Savannah Tail Flash, Georgia Air Guard stenciling, and the legendary Air National Guard minute men patch.
  2. 19 AW tests new C-130J communication capabilities February 7, 2024 (by 1st Lt. Cullen Drenkhahn) - The 19th Airlift Wing achieved a significant milestone in enhancing its aircraft's communication capabilities with the first successful testing of a cutting-edge satellite communication suite during a maximum endurance mission at Little Rock Air Force Base, Arkansas, Feb. 1, 2024. Airmen assigned to the 19th Maintenance Group hoisted a satellite communication suite onto a C-130J Super Hercules at Little Rock AFB on January 25, 2024. The new and innovative satellite communication suite included a hatch-mounted satellite antenna, antenna controller, router, and Executive Communications Kit, which allowed the aircraft to connect to non-secure and secret networks providing “en route satellite communications” during flight. [USAF photo by SrA Maria Umanzor Guzman] The coordination and installation of the new and innovative platform was led by Master Sgt. Josh Jorgensen and Staff Sgt. Liam Pousson-Moss from the 19th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron. It includes a hatch-mounted satellite antenna, antenna controller, router, and Executive Communications Kit. Once the device was in place, Master Sgt. Nicholas Fitzgerald and Senior Airman Ira Kasofsky from the 19th Communications Squadron used their expertise to connect the system to non-secure and secret networks providing “en route satellite communications” during flight. "This platform enables global command and control, providing our crew with unparalleled situational awareness," remarked Col. Denny Davies, 19th Airlift Wing, and installation commander. "It makes the mighty Herk much more resilient and capable in the vastness of the Pacific, reinforcing the Air Force's core tenant of distributed control." The integration of this communication suite not only enhances the aircraft's operational effectiveness but aligns with the Air Force's commitment to agile operations. “The system performed flawlessly allowing us to receive real-time flight plans and mission changes in the air," noted Capt. Aaron Stolze, 41st Airlift Squadron pilot, who oversaw the testing process. “This technology has the potential to save lives when used for Aeromedical Evacuation, further underscoring its importance in supporting mission-critical tasks." The successful flight test conducted during Exercise Gnarly Explodeo validated the system's performance under rigorous conditions, affirming its reliability and effectiveness in enhancing the C-130J's communication capabilities and serves as a solution to meet the commander of Air Mobility Command, Gen. Mike Minihan’s, intent to have 25% of his fleet connected by 2025. "As we look to the future, this communication suite will play a vital role in bolstering our capabilities across a wide range of missions," emphasized Stolze. "Whether it's providing critical support during humanitarian operations or facilitating rapid response in contingency situations, this advancement represents a significant leap forward for our fleet." With its ability to maintain constant connectivity and provide real-time data transmission, the satellite communication suite reinforces the Air Force's commitment to staying ahead of emerging threats and adapting to evolving operational requirements. "As we navigate an increasingly complex and dynamic global security environment, investments in technologies like this communication suite are essential to ensuring our readiness and lethality," concluded Davies. "With the 19th Airlift Wing leading the charge, we are well-positioned to meet the challenges of tomorrow and continue delivering decisive airpower whenever and wherever it's needed most to win." Courtesy of 19th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
  3. Youngstown Air Reserve Station saying 'farewell' to the C-130-H Hercules The base is preparing for the arrival of the "Super Hercules" Wednesday, February 7th 2024, 6:15 AM EST By Mike Gauntner Those magnificent, giant flying machines we’re used to seeing soar over the Valley, many times in pairs, are slowly being replaced by larger, faster aircraft. Late last month, members of the 910th Airlift Wing Maintenance Group readied one of the C-130-H Hercules just before it took off for its final flight from the Youngstown Air Reserve Station. The flight marked the 910th’s start of divesting its legacy C-130H Hercules aircraft in preparation to receive new C-130J-30 Super Hercules aircraft. Aircraft manufacturer Lockheed Martin says the C-130J-30 is a proven, highly reliable, and affordable airlifter, with advanced avionics, increasing usable space in the cargo compartment. The C-130-H that departed last month will be reassigned to an Air National Guard unit, according to Senior Master Sgt. Bob Barko Jr. All eight of the C-130H Hercules aircraft currently assigned to the Youngstown Air Reserve Station will eventually be replaced in a one-for-one swap with Super Hercules aircraft. “The arrival of the Super Hercules at YARS will help to ensure the viability of our airlift and aerial spray missions for years to come,” said Barko, who notes that the conversion process takes approximately three years. The 910th Airlift Wing anticipates the arrival of the first C-130J sometime later this year.
  4. Combat King II upgrades propel C2 to new heights February 2, 2024 (by SrA Deanna Muir ) - Command and control are vital for efficient decision-making, coordination, and communication within organizations, enabling adaptability to changing situations. A new combat systems officer station shell sits on a table at Moody AFB on January 25, 2024. Combat systems officers are typically responsible for the operation and coordination of weapons and sensor systems on aircraft, navigation, target identification and overall mission planning. The station and software upgrades will support Link 16, a tactical data network system that can establish communication between aircraft to create a full picture of a battlespace. [USAF photo by SrA Deanna Muir] To meet the needs of the future fight, Team Moody maintainers and Lockheed Martin technicians are working together to upgrade the Combat Systems Officer stations in the 71st Rescue Squadron’s HC-130J Combat King II fleet. "These upgrades will allow us to communicate with anyone in the battlespace in real time, enhancing our capabilities and allowing us to conduct our rescue mission," said Capt. Drew Houghton, 71st RQS combat systems officer. "As these systems continue to be modified and upgraded, they keep the same basic language, enabling backward compatibility and allowing our upgrade to function for the foreseeable future." One of the biggest upgrades to the system is the integration of Link 16 — a tactical datalink communication system used by the U.S., NATO, and coalition forces — to transmit and exchange real-time situational awareness data among all network participants. This will establish seamless integration with future allies and partners using the datalink system. "The upgrade will allow the HC-130J to integrate, coordinate and communicate, not just with other Air Force units, but will also allow our community to leverage support from networked Joint and Partner Nation forces to conduct rescue in contested environments," Houghton said. Since combat systems officers are the eyes and ears in the sky, having a full and connected sight picture is vital to gathering important data, making quick decisions, and executing the mission, even through degraded communications in an austere environment. Communication in the skies isn’t always straightforward, Houghton explained. If the distance was too great between aircraft, the previous CSO station’s voice communications weren’t always successful. These upgrades will modernize the technology to ensure the HC-130J rescue platform is at the forefront of the evolving demands of the battlefield, which for rescue, include a joint all-domain force. "Our primary mission is combat search and rescue," said Tech. Sgt. Thomas Tennimon, 71st Rescue Generation Squadron flight line expediter and coordinating maintenance support for Lockheed Martin. "Any technology that allows us to find people when they need us, is the biggest impact we have. "We’re upgrading our technology to stay in the forefront of the battle," he continued. "Day-to-day, we might not see the impact but as our enemies have changed, we have to keep ahead." Having the capability to seamlessly integrate with joint forces is paramount to operating effectively anytime, anywhere, as every second matters during rescue operations. This is the first of 10 station upgrades, which are expected to be completed near the end of the year. After the upgrades, all of Moody’s HC-130J fleet will have the capability to evolve as technology advances to prepare for the future fight.
  5. Brazilian Air Force launches paratroopers with its final C-130 Hercules Ricardo Meier January 31, 2024 FAB 2476 aircraft had not flown since December and was officially deactivated. Farewell to Lockheed turboprop could occur on February 18 After leaving it on the ground for 45 days, the Brazilian Air Force (FAB) returned to flying with its last C-130 Hercules on January 30th. The tactical transport aircraft took off from Galeão Air Base, where it is based, to Campo dos Afonsos, both in Rio de Janeiro, in order to launch paratroopers. The flight was recorded on video and shows the turboprop preparing to take off and dropping soldiers over the region. The C-130 Hercules FAB 2476 had flown for the last time on December 16, between the air bases of Santa Maria and Galeão, where the 1º/1º GT Squadron is located. In addition to it, the FAB also had the KC-130 FAB 2462 active until the middle of last month, capable of carrying out aerial refueling. Farewell ceremony As Air Data News previously published, FAB planning called for the deactivation of both on December 31, ending a decades-long career as the Brazilian Air Force’s main transport aircraft. The Hercules is being replaced by the Embraer KC-390 Millennium, of which the Brazilian Air Force has six aircraft in service and was scheduled to deliver a seventh jet, which did not occur. According to Defensa.com, the FAB may hold an official farewell ceremony for Hercules on February 18, when the Gordo Squadron will turn 71 years old.
  6. News Provided by PR Newswire2024-01-22 Lockheed Martin Delivers First C-130J-30 Super Hercules to the Georgia Air National Guard [22-January-2024] 165th Airlift Wing to receive a total of eight Super Hercules tactical airlifters MARIETTA, Ga., Jan. 22, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) delivered the first of eight C-130J-30 Super Hercules tactical airlifters to the Georgia Air National Guard during a ceremony today, commemorating a new era in Hercules operations for this longtime C-130 Hercules operator. The 165th Airlift Wing ― the first C-130 operator in the state of Georgia — received its initial Hercules in 1975 and has operated several variants over the years. The Savannah-based unit will now operate the C-130J-30 Super Hercules, which offers unprecedented power, space, integration and versatility. "Today's delivery of this C-130J-30 Super Hercules is another symbol of Lockheed Martin's long-term commitment to the Hercules' home state. On behalf of our 6,000+ Georgia employees, it is an honor to deliver this Georgia-built, Georgia-flown aircraft to Savannah's 165th Airlift Wing," said Rod McLean, vice president and general manager for Lockheed Martin's Air Mobility & Maritime Missions line of business and its Marietta production site. "The addition of the C-130J Super Hercules, the most advanced Hercules ever produced, to the Georgia Air National Guard's fleet enables its crews deliver hope and help ― all over the world for many years to come." The 165th Airlift Wing has the distinction of operating the first all-C-130J-30 Super Hercules fleet in Georgia. Its crews will rely on the C-130J-30 — the stretch version of the C-130J that adds 15 feet of cargo space ― to support strategic and tactical airlift mission requirements. "Marty, the girls and I are grateful for the service and dedication of the men and women of the Georgia Air National Guard every day," Gov. Brian Kemp said. "Today's delivery of a C-130J-30 Super Hercules means our brave servicemembers will now fly the most advanced Hercules aircraft in history, proudly built right here in the State of Georgia at Lockheed Martin's historic Marietta manufacturing facility. I'm proud the longest continuously produced military aircraft in American history is now both Georgia-built and Georgia-flown, supporting our state's continued growth as a national leader in military, defense and aerospace." The C-130J Super Hercules is Georgia's aerospace ambassador to the world, with almost 2.7 million flight hours and a $2 billion annual investment into the Georgia economy, which includes 18 Georgia-based suppliers. "I join with Maj. Gen. Carden, Maj. Gen. Crumbly, the Lockheed Martin team, IAM Local 709 and the entire community in celebrating the delivery of this new C-130J for our Georgia Air National Guard. In 2022, Sen. Warnock and I added funding for 16 new C-130J aircraft and an additional 16 in 2023. I will continue to champion the C-130J program in Congress, and this new aircraft will help our National Guard defend the United States," U.S. Sen. Jon Ossoff said. This delivery marks the first U.S. Air Force C-130J-30 aircraft to receive the Block 8.1 configuration during its initial production. The Block 8.1 configuration improves interoperability across the fleet with features such as a new flight management system, enhanced navigation and inter-communication systems and updated friend-or-foe identification. "Since I came to Congress, I have fiercely advocated for increased C-130 procurement, due to its importance in strengthening our national security. The C-130J Super Hercules is the most capable airlifter in the world. Every aircraft made represents the hard work of 5,500 Georgians at Lockheed Martin's Marietta facility located right here in the 11th Congressional District," U.S. Rep. Barry Loudermilk (GA-11) said. "This new aircraft also represents a major increase in capability for the men and women of Georgia's Air National Guard, who will now count the most advanced C-130 ever built as part of its newest fleet. I want to thank Georgia Adjutant General Thomas Carden for his partnership in securing this major victory for Georgia and our nation." The U.S. Air National Guard, which has one of the most visible and active C-130 fleets in the world, continues to operate a mixed C-130J and C-130H fleet. The addition of the C-130J-30 Super Hercules to the Air National Guard fleet ensures these crews will continue to support the Guard's motto of "Always Ready, Always There" for decades to come. "The future is now, and the Georgia National Guard is more prepared than ever to answer the call with the cutting-edge, C-130J Super Hercules-enabled airlift. I'm so proud of the Airmen at 165th Airlift Wing and thankful to all those our who have worked tirelessly to make this happen," said Maj. Gen. Tom Carden, adjutant general of the Georgia Department of Defense. The C-130J Super Hercules is the proven standard in tactical airlift, providing a unique mix of versatility and performance to complete any mission, anytime, anywhere. To date, 26 operators in 22 nations are part of the C-130J global fleet. Lockheed Martin has delivered more than 530 C-130J Super Hercules in 18 mission variants.
  7. 2024 DoD spray course lands in Florida Published Jan. 18, 2024 By Capt. Donnie J. Hatheway 910th Airlift Wing Public Affairs TAMPA BAY, Florida -- Twenty-four Reserve Citizen Airmen from the 910th Airlift Wing helped facilitate the Department of Defense’s annual Aerial Spray Course in conjunction with the Florida Mosquito Control Association’s fly-in between Jan. 7-12, 2024. Participants of the course, both military and civilian, gathered from across the country to take on this four-day course that began with instruction by five highly trained and certified medical entomologists who walked through the entirety of aerial spray application. “The ultimate goal of pest management is that we want to control every pest the best we can, most effectively and efficiently,” said Lt. Col. Jennifer Remmers, 757th Airlift Squadron medical entomologist. “We want to keep people healthy enough to keep doing their jobs.” Once the formal instruction portion of the course was complete, the participants took part in an aerial spray demonstration, which was conducted at the Manatee County Airport, Florida. Here, water-sensitive paper was placed across the flightline to test the effectiveness of an aerial spray water application. On the final day of the course, and prior to departing Florida, all participants were required to take and pass a final exam, which awards them their Category 11 Applicator certification. This certification is required for pest management specialists to carry out their duties. “As medical entomologists, we hold a pesticide applicator license, which is very unique to the military,” stated 1st Lt. Bethany Eutsey, 757th medical entomologist. “We are very fortunate to have a team of mentors and facilitators for this program.” This course would not be possible without the expertise and support of the 757th pilots, navigators, flight engineers, spray operators/loadmasters and the medical entomologists that conducted the course, the 910th public affairs office and wing leadership and the Manatee County Mosquito Control Association team. Additionally, without the support of the 910th spray maintainers, the modular aerial spray systems (MASS) would not be functional for the demonstration portion of the course. “Spray maintainers are the only Airmen qualified to upload the product into the MASS,” explained Senior Master Sgt. Jeremy Rogers, aerial spray flight chief with the 910th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron. “The spray mission could not happen without the aerial spray maintenance team.” The 910th is home to the DoD’s only large-area, fixed-wing aerial spray capability to control disease-carrying insects, pest insects and undesirable vegetation and to disperse oil spills in large bodies of water. Collaboratively, the 910th carries out this mission across DoD installations or in response to disasters/emergencies as declared by the President of the United States.
  8. 130 AW Reaches IOC with C-130J The West Virginia National Guard is proud to announce that the 130th Airlift Wing has met the requirements to be declared a C-130J-30 unit with Initial Operational Capability as of January 1, 2024. The 130th has been in the process of transitioning airframes from the C-130 H3 Hercules model to the advanced C-130J-30 Super Hercules model since 2021. The unit currently operates eight C-130J-30 aircraft, each valued at approximately $90 million. “Attaining the IOC certification represents a significant milestone for the unit and is validation of the dedication and tremendous effort put forth by the aircrews, maintainers and support staff of the 130th,” stated Major General Bill Crane, Adjutant General of the West Virginia National Guard. “Our entire One Guard family is extremely proud of this step in keeping the 130th and our entire Guard at the forefront of technological innovation and the future war fight.” To learn more, go to: https://www.wv.ng.mil/News/News-Article-View/Article/3644599/wva-guard-130th-airlift-wing-meets-important-ioc-milestone/
  9. PASSED WITH FLYING COLORS🛫✨ The first GA C-130J Super Hercules, set to arrive in Savannah on January 24, met its final #milestone…𝐩𝐚𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐢𝐭𝐬 𝐭𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐟𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭! Currently being built in central Georgia by Lockheed Martin, Georgia’s newest fleet of C-130Js will feature cutting-edge capabilities allowing it to fly faster, higher, and farther than legacy C-130H aircraft.
  10. To my knowledge the field can't change them. Robins Engineering (for USAF and some FMS countries would dispatch a depot field team (military working at the depot or civilians specializing in such depot tasks) to the unit to perform the task. I'm sure there are some MROs that have teams available for dispatch similar to that of Robins depot.
  11. Cal Fire will finally get its C-130s Author Kelly AnderssonPosted on December 16, 2023Categories Fixed wing, UncategorizedTags C-130, California Cal Fire is now one big step closer to getting seven military transport planes from the Coast Guard to fight fire after Congress passed legislation this week to speed up the transfer. According to a Politico report, the National Defense Reauthorization Act contains language to expedite the legal transfer of seven C-130 aircraft from the Coast Guard to Cal Fire. Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) said Minnesota’s 133rd Airlift Wing was selected to receive 8 new C-130J aircraft; the new aircraft will replace decades-old C-130H aircraft, which were supposed to have been transferred over to California years ago. In a move by Senator Alex Padilla (D-CA), Senator John Boozman (R-AR), and Congressman Ken Calvert (CA-41), the final version of the 2024 National Defense Authorization Act includes an effort that recognizes the work of Governor Newsom and Cal Fire Chief Joe Tyler, who pushed the effort over the finish line. Aerial Fire Magazine reported back in October that it was nearly five years ago that Congress told the U.S. Air Force to convert the seven surplus USCG C-130s aircraft into firefighting tankers for California. It never finished the job, and now California just wants the planes. Period. “We were fortunate this year to have a fire season that wasn’t like we’ve had in previous years,” said Ken Pimlott, now-retired chief of Cal Fire. “But it’s coming back — this is only one year. We can’t afford to lose any more time getting these aircraft retrofitted.” So California Sen. Alex Padilla and Rep. Ken Calvert added a provision in the 2024 defense spending bill to hand over the C-130s to Cal Fire immediately — whether they were finished or not. In service for more than 60 years, the C-130 is a workhorse of military aircraft, used for decades for troop transport, medical evacuations, search and rescue, and weather reconnaissance. As airtankers they have a drop capacity of 3000 gallons. “This transfer will save lives, improve air quality, protect forestlands, and reduce carbon emissions,” said Matt Dias with Calforests, the California Forestry Association. “Adding seven C-130s to California’s aerial firefighting force is a truly remarkable advancement.” Cal Fire Director Joe Tyler said the C-130s will help reduce loss of life and property to California wildfires. “I look forward to these aircraft joining our world-renowned aerial firefighting force,” he said. “Between earthquakes, wildfires and other natural disasters, California is one of the most costly and challenging states for property insurers and owners.” He said California can’t prevent earthquakes, but it can fight fire. When Biden signs the defense bill into law, the planes will be transferred, and California will enter into a contract for the work. The first of the seven planes will likely be ready in time for the 2024 fire year, adding immediate value to the state’s fleet. KRCR-TV reported on the transfer back in August. KRCR-TV video Matt Dias, president and CEO of the California Forestry Association, said the new aircraft will have the capacity to drop 3,000 gallons of retardant in less than five seconds, which is more than twice the load dropped by Cal Fire’s current S-2Ts. “To be able to use aerial deployment of retardant for initial attack and suppression is really critical,” Dias said. Retired Chief Ken Pimlott said the planes should give firefighters a big boost in future fire seasons, noting the engines on the C-130s. “In general they’re a bigger aircraft, they’re a four-engine aircraft where the S-2 is a two-engine,” he said. “Since it flies faster, it can return to the base and reload more quickly as well.” The transfer has been delayed for years and became a priority for California’s firefighting agency. Coulson Aviation’s Retardant Aerial Delivery System (RADS) can be installed on virtually any C-130. The Coulson RADS-XXL is half the cost of competing systems — and one-sixth the weight — and it requires no additional crew or equipment. The RADS-XXL systems were selected for the Hercules C-130 aircraft fleet operated by Cal Fire. Coulson RADS Tanker System video: https://youtu.be/WkL6YDafmIk
  12. ☲✪☲ 𝗖-𝟭𝟯𝟬𝗔 𝗼𝗻 𝗗𝗶𝘀𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘆 𝗮𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗻𝘁 𝗴𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗟𝗶𝘁𝘁𝗹𝗲 𝗥𝗼𝗰𝗸 𝗔𝗙𝗕, 𝗔𝗥 This C-130A Hercules was the 126th built by Lockheed Aircraft corp. of Marietta, Georgia. It was accepted into the Air Force inventory on 23 August 1957. On 2 November 1972, it was given to the South Vietnamese Air Force as part of the Military Assistance Program. A few years later, the aircraft would be involved in a historic flight. On 29 April 1975, this Herk was the last out of Vietnam during the fall of Saigon. With over 100 aircraft destroyed on the flight line at Tan Son Nhut Air Base, some of them still burning, it was the last flyable C-130 remaining. In a very panicked state, hundreds of people were rushing to get aboard, as the aircraft represented a final ticket to freedom. People hurriedly crowded into the Herk, packing in tighter and tighter. Eventually, the loadmaster informed the pilot, Major Phuong, a South Vietnamese instructor pilot, that he could not get the rear ramp closed due to the number of people standing on it. In a moment of inspiration, Major Phuong slowly taxied forward, then hit the brakes. The loadmaster called forward again stating he had successfully got the doors closed. In all, 452 people were on board, including a staggering 32 in the cockpit alone. Using a conservative estimate of 100 pounds per person, it translated into an overload of at least 10,000 pounds. Consequently, the Herk used every bit of the runway and overrun before it was able to get airborne. The target was Thailand, which should have been 1:20 in flight time, but after an hour and a half, the aircraft was over the Gulf of Slam, and they were clearly lost. Finally, a map was located, they identified some terrain features, and they were able to navigate. They landed at Utapao, Thailand after a three-and-a-half-hour flight. Ground personnel were shocked at what "fell out" as they opened the doors. It was clear that a longer flight would almost certainly have resulted in a loss of life. In the end, however, all 452 people made it to freedom aboard this historic C-130. Upon landing, the aircraft was reclaimed by the United States Air Force and assigned to two different Air National Guard units for the next 14 years. On 28 June 1989, it made its final flight to Little Rock Air Force Base and placed on permanent display.
  13. First New Zealand C-130J Hercules painted New Zealand's first C-130J Hercules aircraft has been painted, marking a significant milestone in the project to replace the Royal New Zealand Air Force’s (RNZAF) Hercules fleet. 08 December, 2023 Five new aircraft are on track for delivery from next year to replace the C-130H (NZ) Hercules, which were purchased in 1965. “It took 14 painters two days to apply 238 litres of paint on the 11.85 metre high aircraft, using ladders and scaffolding. RNZAF markings will be applied in the coming months, including the RNZAF Kiwi roundel and No. 40 Squadron’s mariner’s compass,” says Andrew Rooney, Project Team Lead at the Ministry of Defence. The second C-130J aircraft is currently having its engines fitted and will shortly head to the paint shop at Lockheed Martin’s factory in Georgia, US. The new aircraft will be able carry more cargo, due to their additional 4.5 metre length and payload capacity of 21 tonnes. With a 15 tonne payload, they will also be able to travel 2400 nautical miles, compared to the current 1800 nautical miles. The fleet will be used by New Zealand Defence Force as a first response option, for humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations, and deployment of personnel and equipment both within New Zealand and overseas. The first three crews of No. 40 Squadron are now fully-trained and certified to fly the C-130J aircraft. A number of the aviators and maintenance personnel have just completed an exercise in Hawaii, where they were embedded with the US Air Force 19th Airlift Wing. The construction of the full motion flight simulator continues in the United States, with testing now underway. Back home in New Zealand at RNZAF Base Auckland, work on the building that will house the simulator is well underway, with the roof to be added early next year. Read more about the C-130J project here. C-130J Specifications Wing span: 40.41m Height: 11.85m Length: 34.4m Speed: 330kts Payload: 21 tonnes Passengers: 128 Time Lapse video of the paint process: https://youtu.be/MCDkLzjTwEI
  14. 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.
  15. 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
  16. 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.
  17. 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.
  18. 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.
  19. 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!
  20. 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
  21. 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.
  22. 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."
  23. 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.
  24. 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
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