"A lot of work went into this aircraft," said Maj. Gen. Michael A. Collings, Warner Robins Air Logistics Center commander. "Sweat, hard work and brains brought about this large initiative in support of the global war on terror. My challenge is that the need for these aircraft is today, and I challenge our own people to turn out these aircraft in 150 days or less."

General Wooley praised the effort.

"I want to focus on the folks who have grease under their fingernails," he said. "You are the warriors. The speed at which this was put together is indicative of the people here at Robins. Yours is truly a warrior attitude in taking airplanes, keeping flow days down, and giving us the aircraft we so desperately need."

General Wooley said that this aircraft and the ones that follow will be put to good use.

The highly modified C-130, the first of a dozen such modified aircraft, will replace combat losses experienced over time by special operations aviators. Four MC-130H aircraft and one MC-130P have been lost in the war on terrorism.

The new aircraft will be able to accomplish many of the same missions as the previous ones, plus they have the ability to air-to-air refuel special operations helicopters, according to Scot Pirc, combat loss replacement program manager with the 572nd Aircraft Sustainment Squadron.

"This aircraft, and the ones that follow, will be able to perform infiltration, exfiltration and helicopter refueling missions, as well as resupply special operations forces," Mr. Pirc said. He said the new aircraft also will be able to help train AFSOC crews in the air refueling mission.

According to Mr. Pirc, the program modifies C-130H aircraft from the 1987 to 1990 year group, which is the same time period as the Combat Talon fleet currently in AFSOC service. Modifications include a basic electronic warfare capability to avoid potential threats, ability to work in special light conditions and strengthening of the tail.

Perhaps most importantly, the aircraft is equipped with air refueling pods for in-flight refueling of Special Operations Forces aircraft and combat search and rescue helicopters. The aircraft can also take fuel from other refueling aircraft.

"This is a partnership between the program office of the 572nd ACSS, the 402nd Maintenance Wing, and the contractor, TCS Design and Management," Mr. Pirc said. The 402nd MXW performed the modifications, while TCS did the engineering.

"All three partners have worked very hard on this project, and we're all very excited," Mr. Pirc said. "Every step of the way we kept in mind who this aircraft was meant for, and we're sure the warfighter will be happy with the result."

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