The C-130 is the premier tactical airlift aircraft in USAF. ANG has the majority of C-130s in the Air Force inventory and will retain these aircraft for the foreseeable future. An engine Infra-red Suppression system will reduce the largest single source of heat on the aircraft, thereby increasing survivability of the weapon system. The National Guard Association of Indiana, as a coalition partner with the states of X, Y, Z, recommends:

RECOMMENDATION: The National Guard Association of the United States urges Congress direct the Department of Defense and the Guard Bureau to:

Develop FY20 formal POM budget requirement input to HQ AF for long lead and procurement of C-130 engine IR suppression systems.

Develop a strategy for the ANG to perform an operational test and evaluation program which evaluates the impact of IRSS on C-130 missions with follow-on action to procure IR suppression systems as part of the total aircraft self-protection package.