J-Models Will Replace Aging C-130Hs

The Department of the Air Force selected Little Rock Air Force Base, Arkansas, as the location to host the Air National Guard C-130J Formal Training Unit.

Four C-130J Hercules will replace aging C-130Hs to establish the FTU, which will ensure aircrews gain the experience and knowledge needed to operate the newer aircraft.

The C-130-J reduces manpower requirements, lowers operating and support costs, and provides life-cycle cost savings over earlier C-130 models. It is also capable of climbing faster and higher, flying father at a higher cruise speed, and takes off and lands in a shorter distance.

The aircraft is capable of operating from rough, dirt strips and is the prime transport for airdropping troops and equipment into hostile areas. The C-130 operates throughout the U.S. Air Force, serving with Air Mobility Command, Air Force Special Operations Command, Air Combat Command, U.S. Air Forces in Europe, Pacific Air Forces, Air National Guard and the Air Force Reserve Command, fulfilling a wide range of operational missions in both peace and war situations. Basic and specialized versions of the aircraft airframe perform a diverse number of roles, including airlift support, Antarctic ice resupply, aeromedical missions, weather reconnaissance, aerial spray missions, firefighting duties for the U.S. Forest Service and natural disaster relief missions.

Little Rock ANGB was selected to host this mission after conducting a site survey that assessed the location based on factors related to mission, infrastructure capacity, community support, environmental considerations and cost. The environmental analysis is also complete which allowed the Department of the Air Force to make the final decision to base the FTU at Little Rock AFB.

FMI: www.af.mil