Last fall in Iraq, the Air Force and Army jointly tested a direct support concept of employment that had the 164th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron, a C-130 contingent from the Ohio Air National Guard, collocated with and under the control of the Army’s 25th Combat Aviation Brigade. It worked. In fact, three senior Air Force officials told House Armed Services air and land forces panel April 28 that the 25th CAB commander said, “The 164th EAS exceeded my expectations with the Proof of Concept and the support we have received in such a short period of time; it is a leap ahead in joint capability.” David Van Buren, Lt. Gen. Phillip Breedlove, and Brig. Gen. Richard Johnston also noted that the employment of C-130s was only “one way to provide DS to the Army.” (The currently reduced buy of C-27Js has opened the mission to the C-130 and possibly the C-17.) (Combined statement)
Competitors Not Picked for CCA Look Forward to Increment 2
April 25, 2024
While none of the major aircraft contractors were selected to develop the Collaborative Combat Aircraft, all three say they are seeking further autonomous aircraft work for the Navy, foreign partners, or in the classified arena, and maybe future versions of the CCA itself.