I really was wondering why they would put so much money into a plane that competed with the C-130.
I know the thing is still in production and it’s as mature an aviation platform that exists.
The C-130J looks the same as the older variants, but it’s really almost an all new aircraft that just happens to look the same. They have all new engines, props, avionics and wings, for starters.
Forgot to mention: the new J-model has 40% greater range, 21% higher maximum speed, and 41% shorter take-off distance than the earlier E/H models.
And they even figured out how to make a tanker version that can provide ground support with a 30mm cannon, Hellfires, and laser/GPS guided munitions. Talk about loiter time.