In November 2007, the U.S. Air Force units at Ramstein got a look at the C-130J, the latest version of the aircraft--and the first model to come from the factory with a full array of digital displays instead of the older mechanical gauges. The C-130J will start to replace the older C-130E models at Ramstein in 2009, in a swapout that will run through 2011. Where the E and H models have a crew of five--two pilots, navigator, flight engineer, and loadmaster--the more powerful and efficient computer systems of the J version have cut the crew size to three: the two pilots and the loadmaster.
C-130J models began entering service in 1999, but H models--some of which have been flying for more than 30 years--continue to be a significant presence in the Air Force's inventory. In this photo, above the digital displays of the instrument panel, note the tinted head-up displays in front of the pilots--certain flight data appears there so the pilots can read it without taking their eyes off what lies ahead through the windshield.
Photo by U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Kenny Holston
Caption by Jonathan Skillings
