Apparently the QDR is nonspecific, so far, about how many new C-130J Hercules the Air Force will be able to buy. Officials say the service may get 75, although they admit this is one of the squishier QDR conclusions. Also up in the air is the whole interplay of C-17s, C-130Js, and a new Light Cargo Aircraft for the intratheater airlift mission. There may be a new wrinkle: Entering the discussion is speculation that a new super-short takeoff and vertical landing C-130-sized aircraft may be the optimum machine to link the Navy’s new sea-base vessels and units ashore, rather than the LCA or the C-130J.
The lack of training ranges and airspace in Japan are making it difficult for U.S. aircrews to maintain readiness during the pandemic, the head of U.S. forces in Japan said. U.S. and Japanese aircraft and personnel need to leave the country for high-end training, often traveling to major exercise such…