Schumer Secures $194 Million for Next-Generation LC-130H Skibird Planes for 109th Airlift Wing
U.S. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and Senator Kirsten Gillibrand secured $194 million for the construction of next-generation LC-130H Skibird cargo planes for the 109th Airlift Wing of the Air National Guard.
The funding is part of a recent defense bill and will aid in modernizing the aircraft used in missions in polar regions, including support for the National Science Foundation's research operations. The 109th Airlift Wing, based at Stratton Air National Guard Base, is the sole U.S. military unit flying these planes.
The new J-models will enhance safety during refueling missions in the Arctic, contributing to U.S. competitive capabilities against China and Russia. This follows a previous allocation of $29 million for engineering work, with Lockheed Martin as the manufacturer.
