Look Out Below

C-130J Hercules are now dropping up to five large bundles of supplies. A C130J successfully completed the first  five-bundle sequential low velocity airdrop at Edwards Air Force Base last Tuesday. They landed about 1000 feet apart, and only five yards away from the target.

The 418th Flight Test Squadron rigged and released the 40,100 pounds of cargo over a range area to test software upgrades and systems. Before this test, the aircraft capability was limited to four bundles, according to Tech. Sgt. Jason Kunkel, a 418th FTS loadmaster, speaking to the AF news.

"Right now, we're doing everything we need to do before the aircraft graduates to operational testing," he said. "By working closely with the contractor, we were able to identify and fix deficiencies to ensure the Air Force received a workable system."

The software upgrades enhanced the cargo-handling, communication, navigation and identification systems. Testers are determining how the upgrades affect other systems.

One essential system for air drops is the Extraction Parachute Jettison System. "The EPJS is a safety system that keeps the loadmaster from having to go behind the load if it doesn't extract from the aircraft," Sergeant Kunkel said. "If a load doesn't extract, the largest parachutes can produce 50,000 pounds of drag for the aircraft."

The system was successfully evaluated April 19th and worked well. The C-130J increases cargo delivery, decreases aircrew needs, and has an increased sortie reliability rate according to Sergeant Kunkel.

The program is scheduled to move to Little Rock Air Force Base, AR in October for operational test and evaluation.

FMI: www.af.mil