RAAF C-130J-30, flares
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The C-130J “Super Hercules” Hercules program has been the focus of a great deal of controversy – and recently, of a full program restructuring. Most American planes rely on the US market as their base, and then seek exports, but the privately-developed C-130J was different. Australia, Britain, Denmark, and Italy were all ahead of the curve, and have been operating the privately-developed C-130J for several years. By the time the plane finally reached “initial operating capability” for the US military late in 2006, these faster-moving foreign customers were already banding together to create a common upgrade set for their serving fleets. A number of variants are currently flying in transport (C-130J), stretched transport (C-130J-30), aerial broadcaster (EC-130J), coast guard patrol (HC-130J), aerial tanker (KC-130J), and even hurricane hunter weather aircraft (WC-130J).

Canada, India and Norway recently moved to join the global C-130J customer base. In America, meanwhile, some momentum is building. C-130J purchases are taking place under both annual budgets and supplemental wartime funding, in order to replace a US tactical transport fleet that’s flying old aircraft and in dire need of major repairs.

Despite early concerns from critics, the C-130J has demonstrated in-theater performance on the front lines that represents a major improvement over its C-130E/H predecessors. The key question is, does it break the key limitations that have hobbled a number of US Army programs? This DID FOCUS Article describes the C-130J, examines that issue, covers global developments for the C-130J program, and makes note of present and emerging competitors. The latest news includes some maintenance program setup work…

• The (Private) Labors of Hercules: the C-130J
• The C-130J and the 20-ton Bottleneck
• Turbulent Flight: The C-130J Program
• Contracts and Key Events [updated]
• Additional Readings & Sources, incl. emerging competitors & SOF requirements

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