First C-130J Going to Depot

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)