USAF C-130 maintainers have a new engine shop that enables them to repair the Hercules airlifters in theater—eliminating the nearly four week lag time for a stateside replacement. With this new capability, the 386th Expeditionary Maintenance Group can get the heavily used C-130s back in the air normally within two to three days. And, then there is the money to be saved. TSgt. Scott Schlie, a C-130 engine manager, said, “Recently, our shop was able to repair two propellers, saving about $40,000.” Schlie said the 386th now has its own building with more than 1,000 different parts and 100 special tools.
The Air Force conducted its first successful test of the Air-launched Rapid Response Weapon, or ARRW, on May 14, snapping a streak of three consecutive failed tests and giving the beleaguered hypersonics program a much needed boost. Off the coast of Southern California, the AGM-183A ARRW separated from the wing…