The C-27J was originally a joint project between Alenia (Italy - originator of the C-27A), and Lockheed-Martin (C-130J). When LM realized that the C-27J could supplant the need for some C-130Js, they dropped it like it were hot.

Flash Back: The Army used C-7 Caribous in Vietnam, until the Air Force asked if they could get in on that program with the Army. The Army agreed, and the Air Force then asked if they could be the lead service for the program. The Army agreed again, and the Air Force immediately killed the Caribou program [a few remained in the Army Guard, until they were forced (Tip O'Neil and Robert Byrd) to get rid of the Caribou and replace it with the Shorts C-23 (much less capable)].

Flash Forward: The Army wound up with a fixed wing airplane that even the Air Force didn't mind them having. It was truly a turd, no matter how you tried to polish it. As a result, the Army developed force structure and doctrine around this airplane they never asked for. After 9/11, there was so much need for assets in theater, and the doctrine was there, so the C-23s went, and the crews did an incredibly good job with that POS. The Army validated a requirement for 72 C-27s to replace the C-23, the Air Force never validated a requirement for a single airplane, but they asked the Army (like so many years ago) if they could get in on this Future Cargo Aircraft (FCA); they would rename it the Joint Cargo Aircraft (JCA); the Air Force would obviously have to be the lead service on the program. The Army agreed, and the Air Force quickly killed the program. It's all about retiring from the Air Force, and getting a Job at Lockheed-Martin, making sure the Air Force continues to buy C-130s. Get over it.

 

There is a 235 sim in Mobile. Not sure as to the cost of the course other than your self pride. Some falcon/puffin guys on here may know the answer.

 

An old friend was one of the AF guys who were given an Army checkout in the Caribou during the changeover. He told the Army IP: "You're going to land where?! There's not enough roo...Aieeee!"

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=qAqmCdc_KK4

 

My last flight in an OV-1D Mohawk was in May of 1992. I was assigned at Fort Hood Texas, and liked to do my training flights to the very end of our "leash". I was interested in going to Clinton-Sherman, OK. They had a runway 13,000' long by 300' wide. They didn't even have Class D airspace. I got gas from the FBO there, and the fellow who owned it gave me a royal welcome. He was a retired USAF major. He had flown C-7As in Vietnam, and had done a liaison tour with an Army C-7A unit. He had some great admiration for Army pilots. He said the Army would let them land on a 700' dirt strip, while the USAF required a minimum of 1,000'. He also said that the USAF required two pilots in the C-7, while the Army would let a 19 year old WO-1 fly it by himself. Later, after I checked the weather and found a huge line of thunderstorms between me and Fort Hood, he drove me and my right seater to the Holiday Inn, and told the manager to take good care of us. He even loaned me $50. I think he would have given me the shirt off of his back. Nice guy; I'll never forget him.

 

Great video, I love those white helmets! Did crews actually wear those in theater?

 

In 2011 while flying out of Bagram, a contract C-7 showed up and was flying sorties from next to our squadron.

It was gorgeous. Looked like new. And was powered by a pair of PT-6's. Super quiet.

It would taxi to the intersection, go full power, and take off in what seemed to be a few hundred feet. I'm sure it was more, but it looked great.

 

Who would have thought to put the power quadrant on the overhead panel?

Loved those plastic baseball hats!