The 317th Airlift Group at Dyess AFB, Tex., has received its fourth new-build C-130J transport. The unit is building toward having a fleet of 28 C-130Js by 2013. The new airlifters are replacing the group’s aging C-130Hs. Dyess received its first C-130Js in April. The newest one arrived Dec. 8, according to base officials. (Dyess photo caption by SrA. Jenifer H. Calhoun)
The Air Force has embraced new technical approaches like open mission systems and rapid software updates for cutting-edge aircraft like the B-21 and Collaborative Combat Aircraft. Increasingly, though, the service is also working to apply these to its older, “legacy” aircraft, officials said this week.