Thread: C-130 landing in a stadium? Or, why the V-22 exists

The concept is sound if the rockets had been automated; tied to radar altimeters, weight-on-wheels, etc. I think it was the kludge aspect of this specimen that caused the accident.

What this thing would have given the U.S. forces was a MASSIVE lift and range boost vs the helicopters, or the V-22.

Originally Posted by Chogy

The concept is sound if the rockets had been automated; tied to radar altimeters, weight-on-wheels, etc. I think it was the kludge aspect of this specimen that caused the accident.

I'm no expert, but my guess is that this was a rush job, and they didn't have time to design an automatic system...

Even if the Iran Hostage Crisis had passed, I am surprised that the military hasn't continued to pursue this as a viable alternative until the V-22 Osprey came online.

Well, it's a one-shot deal in the sense that several hours at a minimum would be required to re-fit new rockets into the bird. I think this would make it more suitable for special missions, rather than everyday use. Also, it'd be expensive from a consumables standpoint.

Reliability would have to be 100% - if those "landing" rockets did not fire with symmetry, the C-130 is going to go out of control. Solid fuel rockets are very good, but not always 100%. Having a "hung" missile, such as an AIM-7, was not unheard of.

Still, it's a cool concept, and the video is impressive. Thanks for posting it!

Originally Posted by Chogy

Reliability would have to be 100% - if those "landing" rockets did not fire with symmetry, the C-130 is going to go out of control. Solid fuel rockets are very good, but not always 100%. Having a "hung" missile, such as an AIM-7, was not unheard of.

Imagine a failed takeoff with a planeload of hostages *shudder*

Originally Posted by Chogy

Still, it's a cool concept, and the video is impressive. Thanks for posting it!

No pronlem