|
The US Marine Corps announced in late April that the commander of Operational Testing and Evaluation has "recommended full-fleet introduction of the KC-130J for operational use." In its Operational Evaluation Report, the Marine Corps notes, "The KC130J possesses a significant capability increase over the legacy KC-130 fleet and outperformed the KC-130T in five mission-representative profiles, including aerial refueling missions, rapid ground refueling missions, and aerial delivery cargo missions." Operational testing was conducted from October 2003 to January 2004 and assessed the operational effectiveness and suitability of the KC-130J. The KC-130J will replace aging KC-130F/R tankers in the active Marine Corps fleet, some of which have more than forty years of service.
Photo By John Rossino
|
