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Post by ErrolC on Dec 17, 2023 21:18:02 GMT 12
Would imagine it is out there somewhere, pretty sure the J models came with extra internal fuel tanks as standard compared to earlier models. Interested to hear what the effective range is for these with the extra tanks? Thank you....... I think the more modern turboprops have a much lower fuel burn. Aussies don't seem to have specified, beyond increasing fuel load from 19t to 27t. RAF said in 2015 “In addition to increased air-to-air refuelling capacity, the external tanks have extended the range of the C-130J to around 3,000nm [5,550km],” the MoD says. www.flightglobal.com/raf-hercules-get-extended-range-upgrade/116279.articleUSAF fact sheet says Range at Maximum Normal Payload: C-130J, 2,071 miles (1,800 nautical miles) C-130J-30, 1,956 miles (1,700 nautical miles) Range with 35,000 pounds of Payload: C-130J, 1,841 miles (1,600 nautical miles) C-130J-30, 2,417 miles (2,100 nautical miles) www.af.mil/About-Us/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/1555054/c-130-hercules/Perhaps the USAF C-130J-30 data is with external tanks? Because the J-30 has same max weight as the J but otherwise poorer performance (except more cargo space) as you would expect. Note Christchurch to McMurdo is 3,920km/2,117nm. |
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Post by Dave Homewood on Jan 31, 2024 8:04:58 GMT 12
I have been sent this CAFGRAM email from the Chief of Air Force AVM Darren Webb to all RNZAF members this morning, with permission to share it here.
Today, I announce the withdrawal of the C-130H fleet from service on 31 January 2025, exactly one year from now.
The C-130H has been a workhorse, providing an incredible 60 years of service to our nation. These many decades reflect the outstanding support provided by individuals, units and our industry partners. Through your efforts, the RNZAF has delivered essential air mobility outputs safely and effectively to all corners of the globe. It truly is a remarkable contribution enabled by dedicated people who span generations, myself included. These few words are not meant to do justice to such a legacy. An appropriate formal farewell will of course come later, where a more complete picture is provided from those who know it well.
But it is time to move on. We now have an opportunity to focus our efforts on expediting the introduction of the C-130J, rather than diluting those efforts by extending the operation of an ageing fleet. This decision will provide certainty for the future. It will minimise the challenging but necessary brief period of concurrent operations and is a deliberate attempt to help manage the workload across an extremely busy and critical part of our workforce. I am very pleased that we have 12 months to plan.
While this decision is an important step, there is still a fair bit to do. Importantly, we must see the C-130H out safely and quickly re-focus to the future – airlift being central to almost every moving part of the Defence Force. The transition period, as the name implies, involves change, and that can be difficult. To all those personnel involved in the process, thank you for your positive and proactive support as we shape the start of a new C-130 era in NZ.
I look forward to keeping you appraised of other key milestones and decisions as they unfold.
CAF
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Post by camtech on Feb 12, 2024 12:15:49 GMT 12
in case anyone missed it, NZ7011 made her first flight 25 January, from Marietta.
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Post by Dave Homewood on Feb 12, 2024 13:28:39 GMT 12
On the weekend I was told a rumour that the new C-130J's that are yet to enter RNZAF service have had a restriction placed on them in that they will not be allowed to operate on grass airfields, only paved runways. Is there any truth to this rumour? Or is it bunkum, as I suspect/hope.
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Post by Dave Homewood on Feb 15, 2024 16:12:09 GMT 12
It is worrying that no-one has jumped on here and slammed the rumour I posted above as untrue.
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Post by McFly on Feb 15, 2024 16:49:59 GMT 12
On the weekend I was told a rumour that the new C-130J's that are yet to enter RNZAF service have had a restriction placed on them in that they will not be allowed to operate on grass airfields, only paved runways. Is there any truth to this rumour? Or is it bunkum, as I suspect/hope. It is worrying that no-one has jumped on here and slammed the rumour I posted above as untrue. Ok I'll start.... So it doesn't seem to be a limitation with the C-130J-30...  |
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Post by Dave Homewood on Feb 15, 2024 16:56:59 GMT 12
Yes the aircraft can do it, the rumour was that 40 Squadron won't be.
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Post by 30sqnatc on Feb 15, 2024 17:19:12 GMT 12
No 'cross-country' while under warranty  |
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Post by Dave Homewood on Feb 15, 2024 18:11:00 GMT 12
Seriously??
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Post by 30sqnatc on Feb 15, 2024 18:29:19 GMT 12
Gossip. Is it serious or BS - unknown |
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Post by oj on Feb 15, 2024 18:58:10 GMT 12
If it is serious then we need our arses kicked for departing from traditional NZ pioneering and innovation.
We should already be working on ideas and plans for operating from water runways!
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Post by McFly on Feb 15, 2024 19:16:46 GMT 12
On the weekend I was told a rumour that the new C-130J's that are yet to enter RNZAF service have had a restriction placed on them in that they will not be allowed to operate on grass airfields, only paved runways. Is there any truth to this rumour? Or is it bunkum, as I suspect/hope. ( link)  |
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Post by ErrolC on Feb 15, 2024 19:19:51 GMT 12
Promo reel of the paint job.
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Post by McFly on Feb 15, 2024 19:23:21 GMT 12
NZ Defence Force ( link) Kiwi roundel complete ✅ The first of our Royal New Zealand Air Force C-130J-30 Hercules to come off the Lockheed Martin production line in Georgia, United States has received its official livery - featuring the RNZAF Kiwi Roundel and No. 40 Squadron’s mariner's compass. Five new aircraft are on track for delivery starting from late this year to replace the C-130H (NZ) Hercules aircraft, which were purchased in 1965. The new aircraft can carry a greater number of pallets, due to their additional 4.5 metre length and payload capacity of 21 tonnes. The second Hercules in the fleet is not far behind, ready for its full-body paint job.   
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Post by Dave Homewood on Feb 15, 2024 19:27:46 GMT 12
It looks terrific. I'll bet the crews are itching to take it over. That is the one that has to stay a while for extra random testing, isn't it?
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Post by mcmaster on Feb 15, 2024 19:30:33 GMT 12
Nice to see some more shiny new RNZAF gear. Re the unprepared field ops wouldn’t that pod under the nose be vulnerable to damage in those type of ops?
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Post by mcmaster on Feb 15, 2024 19:30:50 GMT 12
Nice to see some more shiny new RNZAF gear. Re the unprepared field ops wouldn’t that pod under the nose be vulnerable to damage in those type of ops?
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Post by oj on Feb 15, 2024 19:35:29 GMT 12
I think we could just take it on the chin ...
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Post by Calum on Feb 16, 2024 11:37:47 GMT 12
Good see they have bought the tech pack and not the budget variant.
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ajmcg
Flight Sergeant
Posts: 25
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Post by ajmcg on Feb 16, 2024 15:27:21 GMT 12
Having watched the USAF grass landing video it could well be an issue with the MX-20HD turret with the aircraft bouncing around so much. Maybe we should get a couple more without the electro-optical/infrared imaging system for austere runway use? Interestingly Australia has also opted for the cameras with their order for replacement C-130Js.
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