“Probably Inadequate”

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Testifying before Senate appropriators Wednesday, Air Force Secretary Michael Wynne said he is concerned about the service’s ability to maintain its greatly-in-demand C-130 tactical airlifters. He explained that despite a host of upgrade programs, the Air Force essentially is performing “geriatric maintenance,” a condition that will continue into the far future. Even after re-engining and replacing center wing boxes on older C-130s, Wynne said, “We still have to inspect the outboard wings because we’re afraid they’ll crack and fall off.” It takes 24 hours to do that inspection, and it must be done every 70 hours. And, that leads Wynne to believe that “the replacement rate of C-130s is probably inadequate.”

Audio of this article is brought to you by the Air & Space Forces Association, honoring and supporting our Airmen, Guardians, and their families. Find out more at afa.org