After its troubled start, the Lockheed Martin C-130J has emerged from the war against Iraq with a much enhanced reputation, and with many doubts about the aircraft overcome.
Early problems with delayed deliveries, integration and equipment problems had been overcome long before the war started, while combat use overcame concerns that its two-crew cockpit would not be adequate for tactical operations.
Ross Reynolds, Lockheed Martin C-130J Programme vice-president says: "The new C-130J performed beyond even our expectations during recent operations. According to the operators, the C-130J demonstrated a mission availability rate as high as 99%. The J delivered, whatever the mission."
The C-130J proved a versatile tactical and route transport, flying troops and supplies into the region, and performing low-level night operations, long range resupply and medevac sorties in-theatre.
The new model's tactical credentials have been enhanced by a number of recent milestones, with the C-130J-30 completing austere field landing trials in the Arizona desert, and with Italy and the Royal Australian Air Force successfully completing air-drop and paradrop testing, respectively. The Royal Air Force used the C-130J in combat for the first time during operations in Afghanistan and Iraq, and has also certified the aircraft for 'Parawedge' operations - very low level paratroop delivery.
Stability
During Operation Telic, RAF C-130Js flew 12 low level night missions into Iraq, using NVGs, coming under hostile fire. The RAF's older 'Heritage Hercs' flew similar missions, but did so with an Boeing F/A-18 escort.
Some 96 C-130Js and - 130J-30s have been delivered; another 179 are on order, including a highly prized multiyear acquisition programme for 60 C-130Js for the USAF, which will ensure the stability and future of the aircraft.
Source: Flight Daily News
