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RAF Lauds Its C-130Js
After initial teething troubles inseparable from the introduction of new equipment, the Royal Air Force is delighted with its 25 Lockheed Martin C-130Js, said squadron leader Don Mackintosh at Le Bourget on Monday. He should know, since he commands the RAF Evaluation Unit at the Lyneham Hercules base in Wiltshire for these new transports, which include 15 stretched C-130J-30s. These he prefers over the standard Hercules not only because of their extra space, but also due to their improved engine-out handling accompanying their longer fuselages.
Earlier flight control and stability software problems have been overcome to the point where the RAF C-130Js are cleared for nearly all tactical and logistic support roles, except for Special Forces operations, still undertaken by some of the 25 veteran C-130K Hercules C.1/3s continuing their operations from Lyneham. Squadron leader Mackintosh said that the RAF stretched C-130J Hercules C.4s and shorter C.5s can effectively lift about 50% more payload than their predecessors. They have also proved particularly adaptable to high temperatures and natural surface airstrip operations, as in Iraq and Afghanistan. Clearance by QinetiQ for all except sand surfaces is expected by year-end.
Other clearances include high-altitude low-opening (HALO) paratroop-dropping up to 25,000 feet, while Para-Wedge technique approval was demonstrated in a video showing 90 fully equipped paratroops, each weighing 350 lbs, exiting in pairs and closely followed by two tons of stores, from a single C-130J. Alternative loads include up to 24 containers weighing up to 17.6 tons. Both RAF and U.S. C-130J mission availability rates in current widespread operations have proved exceptional, the Marine Corps having achieved a remarkable 100% in the past month with some of its 33 Super Hercules so far received. — John Fricker
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