Advanced Theater Transport
In the long term (FY11-21) the Air Force plans to begin acquisition process for the Advanced Theater Transport to replace C-130s as they retire. This long term replacement aircraft for the C-130E/H includes enhanced reliability, maintainability, and availability; advanced cargo handling features; super short takeoff and landing capability; oversized/outsized cargo capability; high speed/low level airdrop capability; articulated cargo ramp; high lift systems with externally blown flaps; fly-by-wire capability; off-the-shelf derivative engines; cross-shafted propellers and rotors; off runway landing gear; advanced cockpit design with autonomous landing capability and onboard mission planning. Survivability features include IR suppression, reconfigurable flight controls, damage tolerance, and California Bearing Ratio hardening. In addition, it must have at least the same capabilities as C-130J.