The first C-130J transport to undergo a new programmed depot maintenance process at Robins AFB, Ga., has returned home to Little Rock AFB, Ark. Unlike traditional PDM, the Super Hercules went through a progressive maintenance program at the Warner Robins Air Logistics Center that involved a customized maintenance package. Over the course of about 100 days, some 50 maintainers made structural repairs, conducted non-destructive inspections, and gave the airlifter a new paint job. “This is the beginning of a process that will go on for quite some time into the future,” said Col. Randall Burke, 402nd Aircraft Maintenance Group commander. “We’re in the validation phase, a test phase where we’re developing and refining the procedures.” The aircraft flew back to Little Rock on Sept. 28. During Fiscal 2012, eight C-130Js are scheduled to arrive at Robins for this same work. (Robins report by Jenny Gordon)
While U.S. defense officials have spent much of the past decade warning that China is the nation’s pacing threat and its People’s Liberation Army represents an urgent threat in the Indo-Pacific, several defense researchers are skeptical that the PLA has the human capital, the structural ability, or the political appetite…