Air Combat Command officials on April 19 witnessed rollout of a new rescue tanker at Lockheed Martin’s Marietta, Ga., facility. The HC-130J, which still must complete flight test before going to ACC later this year, is based on the Marine Corps KC-130J baseline version and includes an enhanced cargo handling system, a boom refueling receptacle, an electro-optical/infrared sensor, and a combat systems operator station on the flight deck. Maj. Gen. Thomas Andersen, ACC’s director of requirements, said the personnel recovery mission “is demanding” and the HC-130J “will enable us to meet the expanding operational tasks that we face today.” Lockheed’s vice president for C-130 programs Ross Reynolds noted, “Yet again, we see the C-130 setting new standards for mission flexibility.” USAF has ordered 21 C-130Js to replace older HC-130s and MC-130s. ACC expects to achieve initial operational capability with the rescue J model in 2012. (Lockheed Martin release)
The Air Force should build its capacity and striking power with collaborative combat aircraft but must put the teaming aspect of the new class of weapons first, getting the concepts and software right at the outset, to ensure that autonomous airplanes do what’s needed and expected—and can be trusted—argues a…