Lockheed C-130 Hercules (RAF)

[Tinman]

When Atlas matures and the J's are ending, nearing there out of service date 2020ish, whats peoples thoughts on using the same lease option that we acquired the C17 on, for MC130?

To bridge the gap for our sneaky beaks?

[arfah]

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[SKB]

Introduction
The Lockheed C-130 Hercules is a four-engine turboprop military transport aircraft designed and built originally by Lockheed, now Lockheed Martin. Capable of using unprepared runways for take off and landings, the C-130 was originally designed as a troop, medivac, and cargo transport aircraft. The versatile airframe has found uses in a variety of other roles, including as a gunship (AC-130), for airborne assault, search and rescue, scientific research support, weather reconnaissance, aerial refuelling, maritime patrol, and aerial fire fighting. It is now the main tactical air-lifter for many military forces worldwide. Over 40 models and variants of the Hercules serve with more than 60 nations.

The C-130 entered service with U.S. in the 1950s, followed by Australia and others. During its years of service, the Hercules family has participated in numerous military, civilian and humanitarian aid operations. The family has the longest continuous production run of any military aircraft in history. In 2007, the C-130 became the fifth aircraft—after the English Electric Canberra, Boeing B-52 Stratofortress, Tupolev Tu-95, and Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker, all designs with various forms of aviation gas turbine power plants—to mark 50 years of continuous use with its original primary customer, in this case, the United States Air Force. The C-130 is one of the few military aircraft to remain in continuous production for over 50 years with its original customer, as the updated C-130J Super Hercules.

C-130J
The C-130J is the newest version of the Hercules and the only model still in production. Externally similar to the classic Hercules in general appearance, the J-model features considerably updated technology. These differences include new Rolls-Royce AE 2100 D3 turboprops with Dowty R391 composite scimitar propellers, digital avionics (including head-up displays (HUDs) for each pilot), and reduced crew requirements. These changes have improved performance over its C-130E/H predecessors, such as 40% greater range, 21% higher maximum speed, and 41% shorter take off distance. The J-model is available in a standard-length or stretched -30 variant.

Video by the Royal Air Force Museum, documenting the history of the Lockheed C-130 Hercules and its service with the RAF.

[Tinman]

Leasing drained the coffers as do the PFI's

With option to buy? When you buy into the yanks system you just become another cog in their supply chain.

[sea_eagle]

From Parliamentary answers.
What is the issue with the C-130J?
A joint UK-Australian study of the centre-wing box of the Hercules C-130J is in progress.

Do we know if the 9 upgraded with external fuel tanks have the SAS equipment from the C-130K?
Is it likely that some of the C-130J will be retained for Special Forces or will we just have the A400M?

[S M H]

The C 120 j have been worked hard by the Royal Air Force . The out of service date of the type was driven by the Treasury driven S.S.D.R.2010.The aircraft could be kept for specialist use till the 400m has its full capability in ten years time. The use of half the fleet rotated with the remainder would stretch the remanding hours out. But I suspect that this will not happen unless the special forces cannot use the 400m because it is not cleared for there demanding flight profiles.

[ArmChairCivvy]

Demanding flight ops? Like turning it around, also to leave, not just to arrive (Operation Mikado, anyone?).
- a bit like why have Puma when there are (were) Merlins around. The Wildcat being too small on many occasions

[downsizer]

Demanding flight ops? Like turning it around, also to leave, not just to arrive (Operation Mikado, anyone?).
- a bit like why have Puma when there are (were) Merlins around. The Wildcat being too small on many occasions

So much fail.

[Tinman]

Demanding flight ops? Like turning it around, also to leave, not just to arrive (Operation Mikado, anyone?).
- a bit like why have Puma when there are (were) Merlins around. The Wildcat being too small on many occasions

So much fail.

We are simply passengers to the egos of our bosses.

[GastonGlocker]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DaUVhEaK_OE

Video by the Royal Air Force Museum, documenting the history of the Lockheed C-130 Hercules and its service with the RAF.

Very interesting. Thanks for posting.

Entered Iraq via HEMTT in 2004. Exited in 2005 via just completed strip on Speicher outside Tikrit. Landed in Kuwait on 3 engines, only 10 mins behind schedule.

[marktigger]

wonder if the museum will get a J or will they go on the second hand market

[sea_eagle]

Delayed Hercules C-130J update underway but look how long it will take.

The Block 7 update will be rolled into the Block 8.1 to be completed by 2019?

http://www.defensenews.com/story/defense/air-space/support/2015/05/11/uk-heads-for-c-130j-upgrade-test-flight/27122055/
Does this mean we will keep some eg 9 which are being upgraded with external fuel tanks for Special Forces.

[sea_eagle]

FYI link to the news item about the C-139J to receive external fuel tanks
http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/raf-hercules-get-extended-range-upgrade-410303/

Can't see the point if these aircraft are to be retired by 2022?

[downsizer]

That is a Klassic not a "J".

[Gabriele]

I found online a document which shows that back in January the RAF sought modifications to the Medium Stressed Platform to make it compatible with the C-130J's floor and close the airdropping gap.
Did it go anywhere? The notice called for deliveries starting in June.

[The Armchair Soldier]

14 Hercules to remain in service alongside the 22 Atlas?

[shark bait]

14 Hercules to remain in service alongside the 22 Atlas?

This one was very unexpected.

Covering for atlas shortfalls?? or becasue of a renewed interest in properly equiping our special forces??

[RichardIC]

"upgrade and extend... allowing them to support a range of operations until 2030"

Operations whose names cannot be spoken...

[downsizer]

Another good decision, fAtlas is too big and years away from any kind of useful SF Ops.

[Dahedd]

Another good decision, fAtlas is too big and years away from any kind of useful SF Ops.

Don't suppose there's any chance of a Harvest Hawk type upgrade on a few if they are for SF use??

[downsizer]

Cost. And I couldn't see the FJ mafia allowing that!

[arfah]

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[shark bait]

So, the ten spare airframes, then?

Sea herk?

[arfah]

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[jimthelad]

Nice one Arfah, only if they remove that fucking horrible chemical tardis!!!