418th FLTS takes testing new C-130 airdrop system to whole new level

Tech. Sgt. Christopher Jones, 418th Flight Test Squadron C-130J flight test loadmaster, evaluates the cargo area July 13 during a high speed container delivery system test on a C-130J. The 418th FLTS and the C-130 Flight Test Team at Edwards Air Force Base, Calif., is currently testing a new airdrop method called the high speed container delivery system. This new system is designed to deliver supplies to troops on the ground from lower altitudes and higher airspeeds from a C-130J. (U.S. Air Force photo by Chris Neill)

C-130E last one Edwards

(U.S. Air Force photo by Ethan Wagner)

Army training jump

Soldiers from the U.S. Army Civil Affairs and Psychological Operations Command (Airborne) touch down at the designated landing zone here March 5 as part of their training, which is required of each Solider to maintain their jump certification. (Air Fore photo/Senior Airman William O'Brien)

Army training jump

Soldiers from the U.S. Army Civil Affairs and Psychological Operations Command (Airborne) jump from an Air Force C-130 Hercules here March 5. All Soldiers who are certified to jump must perform at least one practice jump every 90 days to maintain their jump status. (Senior Airman William A. O'Brien)

Engineers perform anthropometry testing on C-130

Scott Fleming (left) measures the position of the chair as Dr. Greg Zehner (right) adjusts Senior Master Sgt. David Graak's head as part of anthropometric testing. Dr. Zehner and Mr. Fleming are anthropology scientists from Air Force Research Laboratory at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, while Sergeant Graak is a volunteer from Air Mobility Command Test and Evaluation Squadron Detachment 3. Anthropometry is the study of human measurements, dimensions and proportions and is sometimes used to determine what range of people can use certain types of machinery or equipment. (Courtesy photo)

Edwards expeditionary Airman shares his thoughs on deployment

Lt. Col. Dave Smith, 412th Test Management Group deputy director, stands in front of a C-130 Hercules during his current deployment in Baghdad Iraq. (Courtesy photo)

418th FLTS outfits Antarctic-bound C-130 with 8 blades

Capt. Grant Mizell, 418th Flight Test Squadron lead project test pilot, checks the C-130H Hercules' controls in hangar 1600 here March 5. The 418th FLTS replaced the four-bladed propellers with the new eight-bladed NP-2000 propellers in support of the New York Air National Guard’s Operation Deep Freeze mission in Antarctica. (Air Force photo by Senior Airman Julius Delos Reyes)

418th FLTS outfits Antarctic-bound C-130 with 8 blades

Selwyn Herrera, an electromechanical technician, installs wires through the C-130H Hercules' electromagnetic rack here March 5. The 418th Flight Test Squadron replaced the four-bladed propellers with the new eight-bladed NP-2000 propellers in support of the New York Air National Guard’s Operation Deep Freeze mission in Antarctica. (Air Force photo by Senior Airman Julius Delos Reyes)

C-130J Operational testers propel 'Herc' through Phase 2

A C-130J as seen through night-vision goggles during Phase 2 testing. (Courtesy photo)

C-130J Operational testers propel 'Herc' through Phase 2

A C-130J is de-iced at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, during Phase 2 Operational Test and Evaluation flight test studies. The deployment of the C-130J to Eielson was designed to test the aircraft and its avionics' ability to continue its mission through extreme weather conditions. (Photo by 1st Lt. Thomas Harner)