The first 
HC-130J combat rescue tanker destined for the Air Force has made its maiden flight, according to aircraft maker Lockheed Martin. The aircraft took to the skies July 29 from the company’s assembly plant in Marietta, Ga. It is scheduled for delivery to Air Combat Command in September, after completing flight tests, says Lockheed. This airframe rolled off Marietta’s production line in April. The Air Force is buying HC-130Js to replace its fleet of 40-year-old HC-130s. ACC is expected to begin operating the HC-130Js in 2012. They are an enhanced version of the KC-130J tankers that the Marine Corps operates. (Lockheed release)
The Air Force's new Aircraft Readiness Unit will maintain and provide Collaborative Combat Aircraft for operations, but won’t serve as a “schoolhouse” teaching fighter pilots how to manage these escort drones.