Air Mobility Command inspecting 123 C-130s for 'atypical cracks'

The Air Force has sidelined 123 C-130s for inspection after discovering "atypical cracks" on the aircraft's lower wing joint during programmed depot maintenance.

Air Mobility Command announced the decision Wednesday night, stating it will conduct "in-depth visual and modified non-destructive" inspections of the wingboxes on C-130H- and J-model aircraft that haven't been fitted with an extended service-life center wing box and have flown more than 15,000 equivalent service hours.

The Air Force has 450 aircraft in its C-130 fleet. The AMC press release notes that the temporary removal of service won't impact those airlifters currently operating overseas.