“The weapons system that we have that has drawn the highest utilization in terms of crews is the MC-130P, the tankers,” said Lt. Gen. Donald Wurster, head of Air Force Special Operations, highlighting the AFSOC airmen most affected by frequent overseas deployments. Wing-box repairs on the MC-130E/H Combat Talon fleet have meant that the remaining MC-130P Combat Shadow and MC-130W Combat Spear aircraft have been shifted to meet operational workloads. MC-130Ws normally tasked with airlift have been shifted to battlefield over-watch and strike roles, leaving the tanker fleet to supply airlift. Speaking Wednesday afternoon during the Four-Star Forum at AFA’s Air & Space Conference, Wurster said: “Our tanker force has really done a remarkable job. They’ve surged several times for activities that are going on in Africa.” He added, “People in our line of work are used to being gone a fair amount, but we do have some that I watch.”
Skunk Works Uncrewed NGAS Concept Gets New Attention
Nov. 9, 2024
An artist’s rendering of a Lockheed Martin Skunk Works concept for a potential stealthy and autonomous Next-Generation Air-refueling System (NGAS) aircraft is getting new attention after a repeat display at the recent Airlift/Tanker Association meeting.