Air Force Special Operations Command has completed its AOA for a replacement for its Vietnam-era MC-130 Combat Talon aircraft. AFSOC’s Capt. Elizabeth Paul noted that the new aircraft—now known as M-X—will need to carry more and fly farther and faster than a CV-22. Of course, the M-X must “be highly survivable” because the “exponentially increasing array of threats” make this aircraft a “difficult niche in which to maintain a robust capability,” she said. The M-X probably will push “advanced, low-observable technologies to new levels,” Paul added. Estimated fielding date, under the current acquisition system, said Paul, is 15 years from program start.
As Air Force leaders consider concepts of operations for Collaborative Combat Aircraft, sustainment in the field—and easing that support by using standard parts and limiting variants—should be a key consideration, according to a new study from AFA's Mitchell Institute of Aerospace Studies.