The 353rd Special Operations Group at Kadena AB, Japan, began its transition from MC-130P Combat Shadow aircraft to the new MC-130J Commando II in December. The first Commando II, which is replacing the 17th Special Operations Squadron’s Combat Shadows, landed at the base Dec. 21. The new aircraft represents a big capability leap for the squadron’s specialized air mobility and air refueling mission, said Maj. Michael Perry, the 17th SOS assistant operations officer. There are currently around 10 MC-130 Combat Shadows at Kadena, Pacific Air Forces spokeswoman Capt. Susan Harrington told Air Force Magazine, and eventually these will all be replaced by 10 MC-130Js as part of USAF’s plan to recap the C-130 fleet. “However, (Air Force Special Operations Command) does not yet have a projected date for when the last MC-130J will be delivered,” she added. The Air Force’s projected final delivery date for the MC-130J fleet is in Fiscal 2017. The MC-130 recap plan began in 2011, when the first MC-130J arrived at Cannon AFB, N.M. The new J model Commando IIs have greater range, capacity, and speed, and will feature fleet-common technology with other C-130Js, reducing operational costs, Kadena officials noted.
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.