Procurement: The Gulf Is Transported

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December 26, 2009: The UAE (United Arab Emirates) is buying four American C-17 and twelve C-130J air transports. The 290 ton C-17 is an intercontinental transport that can carry up to 100 tons. The C-130J is the latest model of the half century old aircraft. The 79 ton C-130J has a top speed of 644 kilometers, 40 percent more range than the C130H, and can carry 20 tons of cargo. The C-130J transport proved to be more than just another model in the fifty year old C-130 design. Mainly because it's cheaper and easier to use. Like most new commercial transports, the C-130 emphasizes saving money. The new engines generate 29 percent more thrust while using 15 percent less fuel. Increased automation reduced crew size from four to three. The C-130J is more reliable and easier to maintain. And this isn't all predictions. So far, C-130Js have cost nearly twenty percent less per hour than previous models. The C-130 has been in service for over half a century, and has been in service of over 50 countries.