hauger said:
Funny...I've heard a couple "J" performance rumours (all leaning towards the lacking). My conspiracy theory is it's the FE's and the Nav's trying to talk down the machine, maybe with some help from the Tanker and SAR Herc guys.
LOL!! That is probably true!! The J model does not come with a crew compliment (or even seats) for the NAV or for the FE, so your conspiracy theory may hold some truth!!
hauger said:
True the "J" isn't a hornet in TAL clothing, and I'm willing to bet the C-17 is a might faster than the "J", but I think "pig" might prove a bit harsh and unrealistic a description of it's performance.
You cannot compare the two. The C-130J and the C-17 are apples and oranges. That's like comparing a pickup truck to a semi.
There is no comparison to draw between the two - they are quite different.
Of course the C-17 is faster than the C-130. The C-17 is designed to cruise at Mach 0.76 or 445 kts true, and the J is deisgned for just over 360 kts true. Turbo fan versus turbo prop. They cannot be compared to one another in terms of speed, range or altitude.
The C-130J can do things that the C-17 cannot and, likewise, the C-17 can do things that the J model cannot.
You can only compare the C130J to the older models of the C130. And, since I have flown the E, the H, HT-90s and H-30 and the J model Hercs let me tell you from first hand that the J model (including the C130J-30 stretch version) is NOT lacking for power. It far outclimbs, outperforms and outcruises the E and the H models. It also accelerates quicker - the landing gear speed is still the same, so one had better clean up quick and watch the speed, or else the gear will be oversped relatively quickly.
This is the right thing for Canada: a mixed fleet of C-17s and C130J hercules. NOT one or the other - we need BOTH.
Just my 2 cents - from a guy who has flown both the C-17 and the C-130 ................ extensively.