Written by ANDREW KACIMAIWAI
Australia is to boost its current fleet of C-130J Hercules in a major way by spending $9.8 billion on buying 20 more of the aircraft from the United States.
The new aircraft will replace the 12 C-130Js that are currently in operation with delivery of the first new aircraft due in late 2027.
The Hercules will continue to be operated by No. 37 Squadron at RAAF Base Richmond, NSW.
Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Richard Marles described the ‘J’ Herc as an “important capability” not only for defence but for civilian uses as well.
“From bushfire and flood emergencies across the country, the delivery of crucial supplies to the region during the COVID-19 pandemic and more than two decades supporting peacekeeping operations, this has and will continue to be a crucial asset,” he said.
“The Albanese Government is committed to ensuring the ADF is equipped with the capabilities it needs to keep Australians safe, and this targeted expansion of the fleet size will do just that.”
Defence Industry Minister Pat Conroy said the new aircraft will enable the RAAF to respond to a “wide range” of challenges.
“Since 1999, the C-130J Hercules has served Australia across our region and beyond, proving to be a reliable workhorse in roles from humanitarian operations to conflict zones.
“Having 20 aircraft, up from 12, will mean more opportunities for local industry to sustain the aircraft, creating more Australian jobs. There’ll also be jobs associated with infrastructure redevelopments at RAAF Base Richmond.”
The expanded fleet size will require new facilities and infrastructure to sustain the aircraft.
The Australian Defence Force relies on the C-130J Hercules aircraft for the deployment of personnel, equipment and humanitarian supplies. The aircraft is regularly used in search and rescue missions, disaster relief and medical evacuation.
The C-130J has been involved in almost every major Australian Defence operation in recent decades, from Bougainville assistance and Timor-Leste peacekeeping through to conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan.
More recently the aircraft supported Australia’s response to COVID-19 in the region, delivering vaccines and medical supplies, as well bushfire and flood response.
(FYI: I had no images of my own RAAF Hercules so I made do with my ones of the Kiwi ones).
ABOUT THE HERCULES
Role: Tactical and medium transport;
Crew: Pilot, co-pilot, loadmaster;
Length: 34.4m:
Height: 10.1m;
Wingspan: 40.4m:
Weight: 79,378kg maximum (with 19,500kg payload);
Engines: Four Allison AE2100D3 turboprops driving six-blade variable-pitch propellers;
Range: 6852km (no payload);
Ceiling: 40,000 feet;
Cruise speed: 643 km/h;
Capacity: up to 124 passengers, 88 paratroops, 84 stretcher patients and four medical attendants or 19,598kg of cargo.
Tasman Aircraft 