Workhorse of the skies celebrates a decade
09 November 2009
In November 1999 the first Hercules C130J touched down at RAF Lyneham, bringing the workhorse of the RAF into the 21st Century.
More powerful engines, digital cockpits (that sadly sounded the death knell for the engineer and navigator) and a more advanced loading system gave it a greater capability in its essential air transport role in conflicts or disasters around the world.
Having served with distinction over the past decade (the aircraft cut its teeth in Iraq), it is presently supporting operations in Afghanistan and will soon be deployed to the Falkland Islands.
And by 2012, when the K variant goes out of service, the C130J will hold the sole responsibility for the work of the Hercules fleet which will, by then, be based at RAF Brize Norton.
Wg Cdr Rick Bailey was one of the first pilots to be trained on the J variant at the home of the Hercules in Marietta, just outside Atlanta, in America.
He said: “We were on the initial cadre of pilots and loadmasters in July 1999. The course was very basic. We shared 16 hours in the aircraft and only half of that was in the pilot’s seat.
“Compared to older C-130s, the J model climbs faster and higher, flies further at a higher cruise speed and takes off and lands in a shorter distance.”
Ironically, as soon as the first C130J was delivered to RAF Lyneham, it went straight into engineering for checks. Wg Cdr Bailey was the first to fly the aircraft out of Lyneham in February 2000.
He said: “We did not have full access to the simulators until the end of 1999, we did not get to fly the aircraft until the end of February 2000, and we had to be ready to teach the first course in June 2000.
“Looking back now I think we achieved an extraordinary amount in a short period. The foundations we laid, in terms of procedures, operating ethos and methodology, are still applicable today.
“The aircraft has had a tremendous safety record and is widely recognised as being exceptional in many ways.”
In comparison to the C-130K there is just a crew of two on the flight deck (pilot and co-pilot) and more space for the Air Load Master (ALM) to work on the desk at the former navigator’s position.
The new instrumentation, advanced navigation and communication systems, computer controlled information and displays give far greater situational awareness to the crew.
Wg Cdr Bailey said: “There are four flat-screen head-down displays and two head-up displays (HUDs) allowing the pilots to monitor all key aircraft functions and navigational data while looking ahead, particularly useful in poor weather, at low level, or in hostile territory when lookout is key.”
The automatic warning system gives text messages on the systems affected, allowing the crew to quickly identify and manage the problem. To the rear of the aircraft the improved Dash 4a cargo handling system allows a greater amount of cargo to be carried.
MACR Jim Stewart, Crewman Leader at 24 Sqn, said: “You have a lot more responsibility to help the pilots, and with the management of the aircraft itself. We have had to step up our game, which has made it more challenging but more rewarding.
“The loading system increases the efficiency of the load capability of the aircraft. It is quick to reconfigure the back end and we can operate a lot quicker on turnarounds in various locations.”
To celebrate the Hercules C130J’s 10th anniversary, a low-key event will be held at RAF Lyneham. Sqn Ldr Al Tano said: “At this time of high operation tempo for RAF Lyneham and its personnel, it’s right the event does not impact unduly on the Station.
“But we want to recognise the fact that wherever there is a conflict or a disaster there is normally a Hercules. Wherever you need a meaningful amount of freight delivered to a confined area or short strip the Hercules is normally the aircraft of choice.”
