IVAN
Flight Sergeant
Posts: 29
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Post by IVAN on Mar 26, 2006 16:27:40 GMT 12
There is a rumour about that the RNZAF is to purchase a C130A from the U.S. to be used as some sort of training aircraft.
Anybody else heard this story.
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Post by phil on Mar 26, 2006 18:19:05 GMT 12
Haven't heard a thing, why would we want an A model? Unless it is to go to WB, but we have just put a 727 in the ATF hangar there for training on large aircraft, and there is no more room.
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Post by phil82 on Mar 26, 2006 19:35:15 GMT 12
Steam driven one presumes?
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Post by Calum on Mar 26, 2006 21:20:04 GMT 12
Parachuting or air dispatch ground training?
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Post by Bruce on Mar 27, 2006 16:42:34 GMT 12
Maybe it is for corrosion control training? seriously, though, purchasing an additional herk for training - even if ground based - is a good idea, but why an A model? the desert storage areas in the USA are full of suitable E and H models which would be a better training asset (whatever it is used for) than an A model which is significantly different from the H. Perhaps the instruction was to make sure the trainer was older and higher time than the "main force" - in which case an old A model would be the only option!
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Post by SEAN on Apr 28, 2006 10:53:10 GMT 12
Found this on www.adf-serials.com/invboard/index.php?showtopic=95:"As we talk the RNZAF is trying to buy a non flying C130A as a load trainer. The aircraft has an interesting history, when I have moe info I will let you know." "Only one airframe involved, Lockheed 3130 USAF 56-0522. Originally built as a C130A but in May 67 was converted to a WC130A, then in April 71, was converted back to a C130a. On phase out of A models was allotted to Peru, was this did not happen. I will see if I can obtain more info, it is to be used as a Load Trainer in New Zealand." "A little more on the New Zealand C130A. Up to 3 years ago, the airplane was complete. As it is located on an active USAF base, and not at AMARC, then it still could be a flyer. Hope to get some more info, and a photo soon" So keep an eye out on this site |
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Post by turboNZ on Apr 28, 2006 11:51:29 GMT 12
I thought that since the main spar collapse of that fire-fighting A-model a wee while ago grounded all of those models indefinitely.
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Post by Dave Homewood on Apr 28, 2006 12:26:09 GMT 12
I'm unsure about any of this but I did read in the last week that the RNZAF are using the services of a Singaporean C130 right now as our fleet is so stretched. Maybe they do want to add to the operational fleet eventually. I mean they lost so much capability with the retirement of the Andovers, it makes sense that they are falling short. Especially as the B757's will be out of action for some time later in the year.
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Post by Bruce on Apr 28, 2006 13:00:45 GMT 12
What exactly does a "load trainer" do? is this so the loadmasters can work out how to put a LAV3 or NH90 on board? I agree that extra capacity looks like an urgent requirement, but an A model!!  |
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Post by Dave Homewood on Apr 28, 2006 13:07:39 GMT 12
Note in Ivan's info that Sean has posted from the adf site, it is a younger machine than three of our E models, built in May 1967.
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Post by Bruce on Apr 28, 2006 15:04:39 GMT 12
According to Seans post it was converted to a WC-130 at that time - with a 56 fiscal year serial it would be much older. There doesnt seem to be any official word - I suspect that it would be a bit embarrassing if it became public knowledge we were buying 50 year old airframes to suplement our 40 year old ones!
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Post by Dave Homewood on Apr 28, 2006 15:22:11 GMT 12
Ah yes you're right, sorry I misread the info.
Why embarrassing? If it does the job and is cheap, good on them.
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Post by phil on Apr 28, 2006 17:19:13 GMT 12
We wont be flying an A model, no one wants an orphan airframe, it's a hard enough job keeping our relatively similar airframes flying. Apart from the fact that if it is an A it will no doubt need re-winging to be airworthy. There are plenty of H models we could get if we wanted one.
If we are getting one as a load trainer then it will be exaclty that, a ground based trainer, possibly used by 5 moves (5 movements company - the army guys that load rovers and things into hercs) for training.
If it is for 5 moves, it would explain why no one has heard about it. They are army after all.
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Post by Dave Homewood on Apr 28, 2006 19:38:05 GMT 12
Yes I agree Phil. An aircraft of that age will certainly be only for ground training, like the Andover still at Whenuapai.
It probably is for 5 Movements. Where are they based now? Still Hobsonville? Or Whenuapai these days? Those guys used to be hard arse drinkers back in the days when we socialised with them in Hobby Airmens Club.
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Post by phil on Apr 28, 2006 19:59:49 GMT 12
There might be some in Auckland perhaps, but as far as I know they are now all at Linton. I've done their unit photos a few times, and they come out to Ohakea to load Hercs and drop loads at Raumai.
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