Dyess airlifters make history

  • Published
  • By Lt. Col. Thomas Seeker
  • 317th Operations Support Squadron
DYESS AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  Dyess Airlifters make history again by executing the first-ever low-cost, low-altitude (LCLA) airdrop from a C-130J.

In December 2010, members of the 317th Airlift Group led a Total Force team of experts to conduct the initial testing phase and tactics development of C-130J LCLA for Air Mobility Command. Over the course of the test, the team dropped 98 LCLA bundles to refine the Air Force's latest combat delivery technique.

In January 2010, the 317th Airlift Group received a short-notice tasking to conduct a small group tryout of the new airdrop method for the C-130H and to develop a local training plan to prepare crews to employ this new technique in the Central Command area of responsibility.

Dyess Airlifters developed a training program, then trained and certified an initial 28 aircrew members in LCLA within 5 days of notification. The newly trained aircrew deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom two weeks later.

This rapid warfighter initiative provided the combatant commander with a low-cost airdrop option to resupply austere forward operating bases with improved accuracy over traditional, higher-altitude airdrop methods.

The 317 AG began transitioning primary aircraft and received their first C-130J April 16, 2010.

"As the 317th Airlift Group transitions to the C-130J, we saw an opportunity to leverage our experience with LCLA to help bring this capability to our new aircraft," said Maj. John Poole, 317th Operations Support Squadron.

Major Poole developed the initial Dyess C-130H training plan and helped develop the initial C-130J LCLA employment tactics, techniques and procedures.

"The C-130J is leading the way for airdrops in Operation Enduring Freedom, and we want to maximize every opportunity to increase and evolve our combat capability as we make this transition," he said.

Recent experiences in Afghanistan highlight the dynamic nature of airdrops designed to support small special operations teams or forward bases in the mountains and presents a significant challenge to bringing LCLA airdrops to the C-130J. The J-model's reduced crew compliment and advanced mission computer combined with limited or no radio contact with these teams on the move can make dynamic resupply very difficult.

In the C-130H, navigators have a visual drop technique to dynamically execute the airdrop. The C-130J replaces the navigator with an advanced mission computer. The recent C-130J LCLA testing refines new tactics that a team of experts from Dyess AFB, California ANG, Rhode Island ANG, Ramstein AB, Little Rock AFB, AMC staff and the Advanced Airlift Tactics Training Center in St. Joseph, Mo., developed. Part of the test focused on pilot-directed airdrop using visual cues in the head up display to execute a visual drop, and will give the C-130J its first truly dynamic targeting and visual airdrop capability.

Dyess will host the next phase of the testing in February 2011 to validate the tactics and train the first operational crews and instructor cadre from active-duty, guard and reserve units. Once validated, these members will return to their units prepared to instruct this new technique, and increase the C-130J's combat capability across the fleet.

"Airdrop is increasing in Operation Enduring Freedom as a viable method to resupply our troops in remote locations and reduce convoys' exposure to improvised explosive devices," said Col. Dan P. Dagher, 317 AG commander. "We are preparing AMC to win this war and the next by developing this unique, one-of-a-kind capability. I am extremely proud to lead a group of talented and dedicated Airmen who strive not only to improve the 317th Airlift Group's ability to support the warfighter, but also take the initiative to make a positive impact on the C-130J community as a whole."