The 61st Airlift Squadron at Little Rock AFB, Ark., took delivery of another new-build C-130J transport. Maj. Gen. Michael Stough, Air Mobility Command’s director of strategic plans, requirements, and programs, on Oct. 23 ferried the aircraft, tail number 5756, from Lockheed Martin’s production facility in Marietta, Ga., to its new home, according to the company’s release. The base’s Facebook page stated that “the delivery of this aircraft marks the ninth C-130J to be delivered to the 61st Airlift Squadron.” The C-130Js are replacing the unit’s C-130Hs.
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.