A Life Cycle Cost Analysis of the Proposed Replacement of Pope Air Force Base's C-130e Fleet Using a Fleet Replacement Model

The 43rd Airlift Wing at Pope AFB, NC, possesses 33 E-model C-130 aircraft. The airplanes range in age from 30-36 years old. The C-130Es at Pope AFB comprise two-thirds of the Air Force C-130s modified with the All-Weather Aerial Delivery System (AWADS). Current plans call for replacing Pope's aging fleet of tactical airlifters with new C-130J model planes in FY11. However, given the age of Pope's fleet, a lack of spare parts, and structural problems, maintenance costs are rising at an exponential rate. Because of this, there may be a more cost-effective replacement schedule to ensure Pope's ability to generate mission-ready airframes when needed.There are two replacement alternatives proposed in this research. The first is to calls for replacing the C-130Es with C-130Js now. The second option is upgrade the C-130Es to C-130Xs and replace them in 10 years with the C-130J.