the Airforce is considering developing floats for the C 130

see
https://www.avweb.com/aviation-news/air ... +1%2C+2021

I was hoping that they'd go with the seaplane hull version.

That looks like a better long term solution but would likely take a lot longer to implement.

Just buy a bunch of new ShinMaywa US-2's. Better than a complicate float solution and a compromising aircraft.

[youtube]http://youtu.be/Knk80FvXkto[/youtube]

From the article:


Just how many personnel are they thinking of deploying at one time?

According to wikipedia, the troop capacity of a normal C130 is 64. Gotta figure that's going to be reduced a fair amount when floats are fitted.

Sure seems to me like a half dozen off the shelf Grand Caravans on floats could do the job cheaper than developing one float equipped C130

On the other hand a C130 on floats would make a terrific mobile hunting lodge...

Not for roll on, roll off cargo like vehicles.

Also, takes more pilots to fly a bunch of 208s.

I think part of this is being able to deploy rapidly to islands with no runways.

Mike C.

The two biggest reasons I can see to use floats instead of a hull design are operation of the rear ramp and the ability to retrofit to existing airframes. Seems like it would be hard to put the ramp down without sinking the plane.

I wonder if they'll put bigger engines on it to compensate for all the drag of the floats.

Here is an earlier conceptual rendering.

And some pics of the Pantobase gear on a modified C123. I am amazed that it actually worked. I bet they had to seal the ramp door. It could land on almost any surface. Water, snow and ice on the retractable shock absorbing skis and the retractable wheels for hard surfaces.

Not for roll on, roll off cargo like vehicles.

Also, takes more pilots to fly a bunch of 208s.

I think part of this is being able to deploy rapidly to islands with no runways.

Mike C.