The C-130 Hercules aircraft, which was introduced over half a century ago, is often flown by crew members who are younger than the plane they are flying. And that peculiar arrangement is likely to continue into the foreseeable future, says a new report from the Congressional Research Service.

“The C-130 has been the cornerstone of the U.S. tactical airlift fleet since the late 1950s. Military planners believe that C-130 aircraft provide the United States an edge in achieving national goals. They provide a capability to rapidly deliver forces making conventional deterrence more effective and expanding the ability to provide humanitarian assistance. However, the fleet has aged with some current models being flown by aircrew younger than the aircraft they are flying. As the fleet ages, management issues arise with reduced reliability, obsolescence and reduced parts availability, and changing aviation rules that impact availability of airspace due to obsolete avionics capabilities,” the CRS report said.

See C-130 Hercules: Background, Sustainment, Modernization, Issues for Congress, June 24, 2014.

Other newly updated CRS reports on Navy force structure and related issues include the following.

Navy Shipboard Lasers for Surface, Air, and Missile Defense: Background and Issues for Congress, June 25, 2014

Navy Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) Program: Background and Issues for Congress, June 25, 2014

Navy DDG-51 and DDG-1000 Destroyer Programs: Background and Issues for Congress, June 25, 2014

Navy Aegis Ballistic Missile Defense (BMD) Program: Background and Issues for Congress, June 25, 2014

Navy Force Structure and Shipbuilding Plans: Background and Issues for Congress, June 25, 2014

Navy LX(R) Amphibious Ship Program: Background and Issues for Congress, June 25, 2014

Navy TAO(X) Oiler Shipbuilding Program: Background and Issues for Congress, June 25, 2014

Navy Virginia (SSN-774) Class Attack Submarine Procurement: Background and Issues for Congress, June 25, 2014