Air Force Special Operations Command is working on one-for-one replacements for 37 MC-130P Combat Shadow tanker/airlifters and MC-130E Combat Talon airlifters and would like to add two squadrons—another 24 aircraft, Lt. Gen. Michael Wooley, said in a meeting with Washington-based defense reporters yesterday. Also on his to do list is a gun for the new CV-22, which, he said, has “a hard point on the nose of the airplane that we specifically asked to be there.” AFSOC also is testing a new 30 mm cannon on the AC-130U Spooky.
The Air Force could conduct an operation like Israel's successful air campaign against Iran's nuclear sites, military leadership and air defenses, but readiness issues would make it risky, airpower experts said. Limited spare parts and training, low mission capable rates and few flying hours would put a drag on USAF's…