C-130J-30 In Flight

Flown by the 815th Airlift Squadron, the C-130J-30 is a combat-proven intratheater airlifter admired by commanders for its ability to carry larger loads farther, higher and faster. The stretched version of the C-130-J can carry 128 combat troops instead of a standard C-130J's 92, and 92 paratroops instead of 64. It can carry eight standard 463L pallets rather than six, 97 medical litters instead of 74, and 24 CDS (container delivery system) bundles instead of 16. The stretched C-130J is capable of un-refueled flights of 4,000 miles. A close formation of 31 of these extended C-130Js can drop 2,800 troops-an entire Army brigade-in less than five minutes. The stretched C-130Js are the first to be equipped with a computer-controlled Enhanced Cargo Handling System allowing "precise airdrop event sequencing and quick conversion from cargo floor tie-downs to rollers for palletized cargo."

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Flying Jennies to Fly Post-Ike Support

Published Sept. 12, 2008
By Staff Reports
403rd Wing Public Affairs

KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. -- The Air Force tasked cargo aircraft from the Air Force Reserve's 815th Airlift Squadron here to fly humanitarian, aeromedical evacuation and other missions as needed in the wake of Hurricane Ike.

The aircraft will be based here and fly missions to locations as needed.

In addition to the missions above, the Citizen Airmen flying the C-130J-30s of the "Flying Jennies" will also provide search-and-rescue support after the storm makes landfall. Missions could begin as soon as Monday.

The 815th is sister squadron to the Air Force Reserve's 53rd Weather Squadron, the military's "Hurricane Hunters."

C-130J-30 In Flight