Evaluators with the 418th Flight Test Squadron at Edwards AFB, Calif., are testing new carbon brakes and a digital anti-skid system for potential retrofit to the legacy C-130 fleet. Using a soon-to-be-retired C-130E from Little Rock AFB, Ark., 418th FTS testers have completed baseline testing of the current steel brake and analogue control system and about 75 percent of comparative tests with the new system. Tests include minimum-distance braking and wet- and dry-skid trials and with different cargo loads. The steel brakes used on legacy Hercules are no longer manufactured and pose a logistical problem for maintainers. The new carbon brakes and digital system are already installed on C-130Js and are designed to last six times as long as their legacy counterparts. The testing at Edwards began in March. (Edward report by Kenji Thuloweit)
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.