The US turned its `airborne workhorses` into bombers

(Dan Tri) – The US Air Force created a new weapon that allows its transport aircraft to operate as bombers.

C-17 transport aircraft drops JASSM simulated ammunition during a drill (Photo: US Army).

According to Business Insider, photos recently posted by the US military show pilots participating in exercises with the participation of MC-130J and C-17 transport aircraft.

This operation is within the framework of the US Air Force initiative called `Rapid Dragon`, in which the Air Mobility Command (AMC) is considering `the feasibility of dropping weapons from airlift platforms`.

Since the beginning of 2020, AMC has conducted a series of drop tests of real and simulated cruise missile platforms from cargo aircraft such as the C-17 and MC-130J.

In September 2023, Air Mobility Command launched a joint air-to-ground long-range cruise missile from a C-17 Globemaster III aircraft during an exercise in the Indo-Pacific.

The US has successfully tested putting ballistic missile launchers on bomber aircraft.

The operating mechanism of this system is to put rocket launchers into blocks.

According to observers, transport aircraft are inherently slow and have poor maneuverability, making them vulnerable to enemy attacks.

The MC-130J can climb to altitudes of more than 8,500m, has a range of more than 4,000km, and is capable of carrying as many long-range weapons as a B-52 aircraft.

Meanwhile, the C-17 can carry three times more long-range ammunition than the B-52 bomber.

Taking advantage of bombers to turn them into offensive weapons is considered a way to help the US increase its air power.