Latest C-130 in tests at air base

Published: Nov 10, 2005
Source: aimpoints.hq.af.mil



The C-130J cargo plane, an aircraft considered important to the future of Little Rock Air Force Base, has performed well in recent tests that will determine whether the plane is ready for combat, base officials said Tuesday.

Maj. Dave Flynn, who is supervising the test flights at the base near Jacksonville, said the plane showed "outstanding" performance during the evaluation's first portion, which began early last month and ended Friday.

Over the next few weeks, pilots from the base will test the plane in simulated combat situations in Fort Polk, La. The plane will then be flown to Eielson Air Force Base in Alaska for a week of testing in cold weather, Flynn said.

"We look at it as kind of a graduation phase for the airplane to get it fully ready for combat," said Flynn, a pilot instructor with the 48th Airlift Squadron.continue..