[Yang Nak-gyu's Defence Club] Will the Large Transport Aircraft Project Gain Momentum from the Miracle Operation?

[Asia Economy Yang Nak-gyu, Military Specialist Reporter] Interest in the Air Force transport aircraft has increased as local Afghan collaborators safely entered South Korea. Since last June, starting with the repatriation of the remains of Korean War soldiers, followed by the transportation of Iraqi nationals in July, Janssen vaccine transport earlier this year, the urgent return of Cheonghae Unit members, and the repatriation of General Hong Beom-do's remains, the transport aircraft have played a crucial role.

The aircraft deployed in this ‘Miracle’ operation were the Air Force transport planes KC-330 (Cygnus) and C-130J (Super Hercules). When the Cygnus was introduced in 2019, it faced criticism from some quarters as an unnecessary asset. At that time, the military argued that it could airlift about 300 personnel and 45 tons of cargo, and through aerial refueling, extend the operational range of fighter jets, making it advantageous for the defense of Dokdo and Ieodo.

However, as public opinion shifted, there is growing anticipation that the second phase of the large transport aircraft project could be expedited. The most frequently mentioned candidate is the C-130J, which was used in the recent Miracle operation.

The Air Force operates 16 C-130 series transport aircraft made by Lockheed Martin in the U.S. Among these, four are C-130J-30s, which are extended fuselage versions of the basic C-130J. The C-130J is already in service with the Air Force and is characterized by relatively lower acquisition and operational maintenance costs compared to the A400M.

South Korea has been operating four C-130Js since April 2014, making it the 14th country to operate the C-130J. The C-130J is equipped with more powerful engines (Rolls-Royce AE 2100D3 turboprop engines). Additionally, it features composite material propellers redesigned for aerodynamic efficiency, increasing the maximum takeoff weight by about 20,000 pounds and extending the range by approximately 40%.

The electronic warfare system of the C-130J includes radar warning receivers covering E-band through K-band frequencies. The AN/AAR-47 missile warning system displays missile approach rate, direction, and distance at a glance. It is also equipped with a self-defense system that can disrupt guided missiles to prevent interception.

The C-130J, which can carry about 120 people per aircraft, measures 29.9 meters in length, has a wingspan of 40.4 meters, and a height of 11.8 meters, capable of climbing up to 8,700 meters. Its top speed reaches 671 km/h, with a range of 5,250 km.

Airbus’s A400M is also a candidate aircraft. Although acquisition and maintenance costs are higher than those of the C-130J, it has the advantage of being a more recently developed model.

France recently deployed the A400M to evacuate its nationals and collaborators from Afghanistan. At that time, foreign media drew attention to photos showing the French military transport aircraft launching flares, a missile evasion device, while escaping Kabul Airport. Flares create flames stronger than the infrared signature of aircraft engines to confuse enemy heat-seeking missiles.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.