Marietta have just rolled out the first
MC-130J for AFSOC. Looks good.
Here's a thought - how's about we lease a fleet of these aircraft as we did with the C17 as we draw down
our current J fleet? (admittedly we wouldn't need the AAR fit).
In my humble opinion, the A400M just isn't going to suit the SF support role and we will continue to need C130 sized, specialized TacAT. Leasing would do away with the hideous cash pit that is QQ and would swerve the massive of Office of No that is the IPT.
My only concern would be that we might struggle to get on board in our massive clown shoes....
PS. Don't seem to be any bending moment issues with this aircraft. Clown shoes and spinny bow tie?