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Post by machina on May 21, 2022 20:13:20 GMT 12
2 MC-130Js just buzzed my house on their way into Whenuapai. Lights out but could see small strips of green lights on each. Pretty badass around 1000ft!
Anyone know what they’re here for?
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Post by McFly on May 21, 2022 20:24:25 GMT 12
USAF and RNZAF to participate in Exercise Nocturnal ReachThe USAF’s MC-130J aircraft and RNZAF’s C-130 Hercules aircraft will take part in the exercise. ( link) and ( link)  
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Post by machina on May 21, 2022 20:27:06 GMT 12
Thanks McFly.
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Post by McFly on May 23, 2022 12:24:52 GMT 12
There will be a four-ship formation of C-130’s operating over the Whenuapai airbase today (Monday 23rd) in the afternoon with passes overhead at 1605, 1630 and 1700 for the final arrival...
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chasper
Flight Lieutenant
Posts: 80
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Post by chasper on May 23, 2022 16:25:56 GMT 12
Have just seen them run up the harbour twice, very impressive! It has been an awfully long time since I have seen that in this country.
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Post by nuuumannn on May 23, 2022 16:49:47 GMT 12
The Hercs have been down this way at Woody last week and an RNZAF and USAF Herc landed in NSN. A bit of a shame that this year's Nocturnal Reach won't have any media representation. Been on these before, fun and sick bags in the back of a Herc scooting across the country at low level...  DSC_1339  DSC_1365 |
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Post by machina on May 23, 2022 17:29:11 GMT 12
Had our 2 go overhead on their way in for the night, while the Yanks went a bit wider. Pretty awesome to 4 of them flying about.
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Post by simonrh on May 23, 2022 21:58:09 GMT 12
Was actually 3 x USAF MC130J plus NZ7001
The third MC130J arrived New Zealand on Saturday
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gs6
Leading Aircraftman
Posts: 3
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Post by gs6 on May 24, 2022 7:40:48 GMT 12
Any further info on ops around Whenuapai?
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Post by McFly on May 24, 2022 16:12:04 GMT 12
"Eyes to the skies 👀 Were you in the Auckland area yesterday and did you see our flypast with our friends from the United States Air Force (USAF)? Take a look at the spectacular views, captured from one of the USAF MC-130J aircraft. The team from the USAF are in New Zealand this month to train alongside their counterparts within our Air Force. Training with partner nations allows us to integrate capabilities, build interoperability and execute complex and realistic training as a combined team." ( link)  
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Post by fwx on May 24, 2022 17:27:23 GMT 12
The four-ship did three passes up the harbour yesterday, the first (line astern as per photos above) pretty much went over our house and made an incredible sound! The second and third were diamond formation I think. Very, very impressive to see four big Hercs like that flying in synch. A solo went over this morning on a similar track.
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Post by McFly on May 25, 2022 18:25:47 GMT 12
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Post by machina on May 25, 2022 19:16:41 GMT 12
Very cool seeing multiple Hercs like that.
Does the H not have the ability to carry 4 drop tanks?
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Post by McFly on May 25, 2022 19:22:17 GMT 12
Very cool seeing multiple Hercs like that. Does the H not have the ability to carry 4 drop tanks? The outer 'tanks' on the MC-130J Hercules are air-to-air refuelling pods carrying the hose equipment..   |
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Post by Damon on May 25, 2022 19:42:03 GMT 12
Nice video McFly. Great to see the MC-130 at work. Wonderful to see the USAF back here in NZ.
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Post by oj on May 25, 2022 20:08:05 GMT 12
Did you notice our "dirty" exhaust efflux whereas theirs is invisible.
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Post by machina on May 25, 2022 20:32:17 GMT 12
Those MC-130Js are good looking aircraft, especially wheeling around on the ground.
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Post by Chelsea57986 on May 26, 2022 12:24:47 GMT 12
Did you notice our "dirty" exhaust efflux whereas theirs is invisible. Rather. |
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Post by tbf2504 on May 26, 2022 13:10:23 GMT 12
clean burning T56!! The easy way to spot a P3 low over the water!
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Post by harrysone on May 26, 2022 16:52:29 GMT 12
if its not smoking then its not a T-56! (which the J models don't have...point in case  |
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