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US Air Force special ops forces are turning big cargo planes into bombers with a new weapon

Lauren FriasMar 12, 2024, 04:20 IST

US Special Operations Task Group-Central and Air Forces Central Airmen loading JASSM cradles and other cargo into the special operations aircraft.US Army Photo

US Air Force transport aircraft are going to be carrying more than just troops, equipment, and supplies.
The US Air Force is equipping its big airlift platforms to carry payloads similar to its bombers.

The US Air Force is continuing its mission to transform its existing fleet of workhorse transport planes into bombers.

Recent photos show airmen with Special Operations Task Group Central and Air Forces Central on- and off-loading missile cradles in a training exercise involving an MC-130J and C-17s.

Rapid Dragon

A C-17 drops palletized munitions (simulated JASSMs) during Advanced Battle Management Onramp #2 testing.US Air Force

Palletized munitions

US Special Operations Task Group-Central and Air Forces Central Airmen prepare missile cradles to be loaded onto transport aircraft in a procedure rehearsal.US Army Photo

Workhorse transport planes fighting as bombers

The rehearsals allow the airmen to rapidly employ a litany of effects via airdrop from airlift platforms, such as the MC-130J Commando II.US Army Photo

'Moving away from the antiquated view that AMC just brings stuff'

Palletized effects have the potential to assist in multiple scenarios on the spectrum of conflict, ranging from contested resupply to kinetic effects.US Army Photo

Logistical challenges

US Special Operations Task Group-Central and Air Forces Central Airmen conduct orientations and static on-load/off-load familiarization rehearsals.US Army Photo

Photos show the US C-130 Super Hercules missions airdropping supplies to war-torn Gaza