"John Penta" wrote in message
...

Been thinking randomly here.

Is there any replacement for the C130 anywhere?

Specifically, for short/rough-field use?

I mean, hell. C130s nearly 50, ain't it?


Depends on what you consider it's birthday. The specification that resulted
in the C-130 was issued by TAC in 1951, the first production contract was
awarded in September 1952, first flight was in August 1954, first production
delivery was in December 1956. While the C-130 has been in USAF service for
almost 47 years, the oldest C-130 in USAF service is a bit younger than
that. The C-130A, B, and D versions have all been retired, the oldest
version still in service is the C-130E, which was built from 1962 to 1975.
The newest version is the C-130J, which is still being produced. The C-130
will be around for a long time.