The 418th Flight Test Squadron at the Air Force Flight Test Center at Edwards AFB, California, is testing the performance of carbon brakes and the new Mark IV digital antiskid control unit to replace the legacy brake system on the C-130. The testing involves max-effort braking where the pilot applies maximum pressure to the brakes to stop the aircraft at different cargo weights and on wet runways. The carbon brakes are designed to reduce the potential for brake fires and locking up. The brakes also reduce stopping distance. If the tests, which run through July, are successful, then the brakes will be retrofitted to all US Air Force C-130E and H models.
