The 
fifth new-build C-130J Super Hercules transport destined for beddown at Dyess AFB, Tex., has arrived at the northcentral Texas installation. Dyess’ 317th Airlift Group is slated to receive 28 C-130Js by 2013 to replace its C-130H airframes, which the unit plans to transfer to Little Rock AFB, Ark., by the end of 2012. “The C-130J has earned the reputation for being able to do anything,” with its ability to fly “higher, farther, and faster than any previous C-130 model,” said Col. Dan Dagher, 317th AG commander. Col. Lawrence Martin, head of the 6th Air Mobility Wing at MacDill AFB, Fla., piloted the new C-130J on its flight to Dyess Jan. 21. The Super Hercules will continue Dyess airmen’s long run of flying C-130s. In April, the base will celebrate five decades of C-130 operations. (Dyess report by Amn. Charles V. Rivezzo)
The Air Force and Boeing agreed to a nearly $2.4 billion contract for a new lot of KC-46 aerial tankers on Nov. 21. The deal, announced by the Pentagon, is for 15 new aircraft in Lot 11 at a cost of $2.389 billion—some $159 million per tail.