JASON VORHEES/THE TELEGRAPH
Master Sgt. Justin James 339th Flight Test Squadron looks over the propellers for any nicks or dings on a C-130J at Robins Air Force Base Wednesday. The C-130J is the first serviced under the new Progressive Maintenance Program.
WARNER ROBINS -- Robins Air Force Base was ready Wednesday to release its first C-130J aircraft -- the newest variant of the transporter aircraft.
“The C-130J is one of the newer aircraft in the United States Air Force,” said Col. Randy Burke, head of the aircraft maintenance group at Robins.
Robins is the home of the C-130, he said. The base works on more C-130s than any other aircraft.
The C-130J sat in a line with other C-130 aircraft Wednesday, making it hard to tell it apart at first glance.
One main difference is the engine. The J-series features a six-bladed propeller instead of a four-blade like the older models. The other main difference is in the cockpit, Burke said. The C-130J also has a more modern avionics suite.
The aircraft underwent more than 100 days in a new depot maintenance program. Originally projected at 90 days, Burke said they are still developing and refining the maintenance process.
Unlike Programmed Depot Maintenance, the Progressive Maintenance Program uses customized maintenance packages developed specific to each plan depending on the number of flying hours it has acquired.
More than 40 civilian technicians had a hand in the process, which included removing parts, stripping the aircraft of paint, inspection, repair and reassembly.
The aircraft was set to return to its home station at Little Rock Air Force Base, Ark.
Another C-130J is set to arrive at Robins Air Force Base this week, Burke said. The base is scheduled to deliver eight of the aircraft within the next fiscal year, which starts Oct. 1.
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