The Air Force has just ordered four more C-130J tactical airlifters, three of which possibly would go to replenish its special operations Hercules based on a request the service issued just last month. The fourth aircraft goes to the Marine Corps as an aerial refueling KC-130J. Prime contractor Lockheed Martin is to deliver the four Herks in 2010. Several lawmakers have been pushing the Air Force to order additional J Models, which have proven highly capable in Southwest Asia operations, to keep the production line open.
The Air Force has embraced new technical approaches like open mission systems and rapid software updates for cutting-edge aircraft like the B-21 and Collaborative Combat Aircraft. Increasingly, though, the service is also working to apply these to its older, “legacy” aircraft, officials said this week.