Latest J Model Is Done With Phase 2: The newest Hercules—the C-130J—has completed Phase 2 of its operational test & evaluation program, and, officials say, the Air Force Operational Test & Evaluation Center expects to have a final report by March. The Phase 2 testing included heavy equipment, personnel, and container delivery airdrops at Little Rock AFB, Ark.; simulated combat drops with soldiers at Ft. Polk, La.; cold weather testing at Eielson AFB, Alaska; and high stress flying tests for J aircrews in simulators at Keesler AFB, Miss.
The Air Force is spending heavily on F-22 improvements through the end of the decade, suggesting it may not retire the jet in 2030 as it previously planned. New sensors, fuel tanks, communications, and electronic warfare systems are among the upgrades that comprise the package.