The first Air Force C-130J scheduled for programmed depot maintenance is slated to enter the shop at Robins AFB, Ga., on Tuesday, marking a new phase. “A huge amount of work has gone into the planning for this aircraft,” said Gary Johnson, 560th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron C-130 chief. “We are looking forward to the upcoming induction and are excited about this continuation of the C-130 program.” Along with the arrival of the C-130J, the 560th AMXS is pioneering the new Progressive Maintenance Program that uses plug-in computers to individually tailor depot work to each airframe. C-130Js will soon begin arriving at Robins once a month for PDM, with the rate accelerating over time. With its new Rolls-Royce engines, six-bladed composite propellers, and digital avionics, the C-130J is a generation removed from earlier marks of Hercules airplanes and their aluminum props and mechanical dials. (Robins report by Wayne Crenshaw)
Earlier this week, the People’s Republic of China confirmed it is halting its nuclear arms control talks with the U.S., in retaliation for the U.S. continuing to sell arms to Taiwan. The move reinforces a “pattern of behavior” from Beijing, experts say.