The C-130J, originally foisted by Congress on an Air Force that didn’t really want it, has since become a staple of the U.S. and many foreign air forces. The House Appropriations Committee approved $1.1 billion for 11 Js in its version of the 2012 spending bill compared to $988.2 billion approved by their Senate colleagues. One of the fun parts of attending the big air shows is the rare chance to hop on a plane and get a close-up view of its capabilities. Enjoy the ride and get a glimpse of what this plane can do. What you can’t really see is the high and tight takeoff or feel how stable the aircraft is in flight.
From F-16s to NATO, Argentina’s moves tilt West, but ties to China to last
There are flashpoints to watch as Argentina navigates its future between the polar attractions of Washington and Beijing, including future defense deals and a deep space facility.