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 finished resurrecting a B-1B Lancer, completing a yearslong process to transform a bomber that had been stored for parts in the Arizona desert into the new flagship of the 7th Bomb Wing at Dyess Air Force Base, Texas.