Pentagon report criticizes new version of C-130J transport plane

A new report by the Pentagon's top independent weapons tester has found that the Air Force's C-130J transport plane failed its initial evaluation and is "neither operationally effective nor operationally suitable," according to a copy of the document obtained by CongressDaily.

The report comes on the heels of a Pentagon plan to cut $5 billion from the C-130J program over the next several years. That prompted a groundswell of support from senators who vowed to shield the program, run by Lockheed Martin Corp., from the Pentagon's budget ax.

Thomas Christie, the Pentagon's director of operational test and evaluation, reportedly included his assessment of the C-130J's performance in a review of more than 200 defense systems sent to lawmakers earlier this month.

The report found that the C-130J faces problems with cargo loading and constraint requirements. It said most of the aircraft's defensive systems have yet to demonstrate that they will work properly. It also found problems with subsystem reliability, funding for logistics support and training, and hardware and software deficiencies.

In addition, other problems plague the weather reconnaissance version of the aircraft -- including radar performance in hurricane conditions, anti-ice protection for propellers, and excessive vibration in one part of the aircraft. A solution to the vibration problem has been proposed for the production version, according to the document, and it noted that a program to correct the other deficiencies is in the works. The report stated that the Air Force intends to deploy the aircraft, despite its "limited capabilities" to U.S. Central Command early this year.

Peter Simmons, a spokesman for Lockheed Martin, said the Pentagon tester's report "in no way reflects the current status" of the C-130J program. "The review is focused on information that is many, many years old," Simmons said, adding that the aircraft is operational and deployed on active service in the United States and other countries "and is performing extremely well."

Simmons said two aircraft were deployed to Central Command in December, and that while they are not operationally certified for heavy airdrop and paradrop missions, neither is required for current deployment. In addition, he said the aircraft's mission capability rate is 95 to 97 percent. The report also notes that the C-130J, based on the C-130 Hercules, is "70 percent" different than previous models.

Analysts at the Project on Government Oversight, a public policy watchdog group, say the J variant "has been characterized by inefficiency, waste, and a misguided acquisition strategy that doubled its original cost," according to a statement issued today. The organization also noted that none of the 50 or so aircraft that the Air Force has acquired have been certified as combat ready, according to a highly critical Defense Department inspector general audit released last summer. While the Pentagon may hope to eliminate the C-130J program, two dozen senators led by Georgia Republican Sen. Saxby Chambliss earlier this month called on President Bush to save it. POGO noted in its news release that the senators' letter "disingenuously touts the merits of the original C-130, not the 'J' model."