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Preparing for the Future

  • Published
  • By Amy M. Lovgren
  • 133rd Airlift Wing Public Affairs

Amy M. Lovgren - In the fall of 2026, the 133rd Airlift Wing is expected to begin a three-year process to modernize from the C-130H3 Hercules to the C-130J-30 Super Hercules. 

The current C-130H3 Hercules has been with the 133rd Airlift Wing since its first arrival in August 1996. They are approximately 97 feet in length; the cockpit features both analog and digital instruments, and when configured for an aeromedical evacuation mission, the aircraft can carry up to 72 litters.   

“We are receiving the C-130J-30, known as the stretch model,” said U.S. Air Force Maj. Charles Moore, conversion officer for the 133rd Airlift Wing. “The new aircraft is equipped with an extra pallet position, modern avionics (known as a ‘glass cockpit’) that provide a much higher level of automation, and a newer and stronger propulsion system that allows the aircraft to fly higher and slightly faster.”

“Specifically, for the 133rd Airlift Wing, conversion is a process of changing mission sets from the current C-130H3 Hercules airlift mission to the C-130J-30 Super Hercules airlift mission,” said Moore. “Our mission will still be rapid deployment of tactical airlift to anywhere in the world, but the C-130H3 is less sustainable long-term. The C-130J-30 Super Hercules will enable us to execute and sustain the modern demands of tactical airlift.”

Throughout the conversion timeframe, Airmen will have the opportunity to attend schools to learn about the differences in flying and maintaining the new aircraft. These learning opportunities will most affect the operations and maintenance groups. Depending on their Air Force Specialty Code, Airmen can expect to be in school for one to seven months.

“Maintenance personnel will train to achieve qualifications and necessary certifications to facilitate maintenance on the new airframe,” said Moore. “Additionally, pilots and loadmasters need to go through retraining. The C-130J eliminates the flight engineer and navigator crew positions, so pilots and loadmasters will absorb responsibilities previously handled by those roles. The aircraft systems, avionics, and power plant are significantly different than the C-130H.” 

Because the C-130J-30 Super Hercules is longer than the current C-130H3 Hercules, new facilities, hangars, and support systems are needed to accommodate the new airframe. 

“[The C-130J] is 15 feet longer, it changes some aspects of our operations and maintenance facilities,” said U.S. Air Force Maj. A.J. Anderson, deputy civil engineer of the 133rd Civil Engineer Squadron. “[We] have been hard at work facilitating the designs to renovate the parking apron, south hangar, and the operations building to accommodate the new size.”

In the meantime, Airmen are preparing for the conversion to begin. In October, the wing sent its first pilots to the J model conversion course. The maintenance group will start shipping out parts and equipment to make room for the new equipment. Airmen from the logistics readiness squadron have been collaborating during a site visit to another J model base and getting ready to start receiving new equipment. 

“Change is never easy, but in the modern world of rapid development and evolution, it is essential that we embrace it," said Moore. "The modern airlift platform is not just something this wing needs to stay dominant in future near-peer conflict; it is something we've earned. The National Guard Bureau's award of the C-130J is a testament to the combat power this wing has delivered to the Joint Force over many decades. We will miss the C-130H3 and all the unique missions we accomplished with it, but we will thrive with the C-130J.”