I know I'll get pummeled here, but why would the AF spend $ it doesn't have (budget cuts) on another A/C to maintain when the C-130J easily does twice the work? Would that be STOL for rough small strips to support ops on the ground? There is this thing called aerial delivery (air drop platforms/ CDS) @ 42,000 lbs. The C-130J also is easily configurable for many needs (people/cargo/weapons) accommodating a wide variety of oversized cargo, including utility helicopters and six-wheeled armored vehicles. The money just isn't there for 1/2 an aircraft.

The Army has a serious problem with timely service from the Air Force.   The Air Force is a monopoly that gets to decide when and how to deliver what the Army wants.

 

The Army should insist on controlling all the trucks in the Air Force. 

 Of course: Army vs. Air Force...

 

@dogberry: "The Air Force is a monopoly"

Enough said...complain to your congressman - or Department of Defense, I'm sure your input would be greatly appreciated.

 

@Batou: "I'll keep this simple; c-130J - BIG. Spartan C-27J - small"

 

Okay, let's keep it simple: (without consulting an accountant):

Big plane - big air drops - big supplies - less trips - less fuel - less exposure to ground fire

Small plane - small loads, less supplies, more trips/ more fuel, more exposure to ground fire

 

In case you didn't know, Special Operations handles air drops (since dogberry's trucks aren't getting through) and prefers C-130J models for reasons already given. Is it stealthy? No..and neither is the C-27J especially during approach/take off on known small strips where enemy RPGs can easily ruin someone's day.

The Army will go back to relying on CH47s.

 

The issue is who determines timing of delivery.

 

The same applies to waiting for an F16, or the local Army commander having direct control of an Apache. 

 

Of course, the Army might try to buy U28s or more C12s.

 

Does the Air Force want to control the Army's C20s and C37s? 

 

A thread involving the A10 and the F16 would be useful. 

 

 

Why did the Air Force take the C27s from the Army if they didn't have the budget?

My understanding is that certain bases were handed the planes (to their dismay), and doing everything to avoid keeping them. Remember, with these does not necessarily come more funding and THAT is the big issue.

 

As to your other comment, the Army has more aircraft than the Air Force and do supply themselves in remote places. If there is a supply issue, it may have more to do with the Army/state department/executive branch miscalculations. AMC MAJCOM faithfully moves cargo and Pax from base to base and from there the customer picks up the stuff. AFSOC is getting tasked more (C-130J) to help pick up the slack left from bad political decisions and reduce Army casualties from roadside bombs.

 

My point is that the AF has been cut as well as the other branches and must make decisions based on logic. As pointed out in another article (logistics) the big planes can drop more than needed at altitudes beyond AA reach, at night, and with pinpoint precision. Landing is not a good option for fixed wing in the current AOR.

 

Will the passengers on C130s be parachuting into bases with the cargo?

 

Did the Army willingly give up the C27 or was it taken by the Air Force in 2009?    

 

The C27 looks like something the Air Force should own.  

 

The C130 is too expensive to risk when the Army wants to fly in soldiers. 

 

C12s are cheaper than C130s and CH47s.   Will the Army use them, C12s, to move soldiers around.