Originally Posted by
rattman
Never realised how old the RAAF C-130's are, the other rumors swirling around is that RNZAF teams that are currently in Europe to maintain their C-130 deployed there are climbing all over RAF C-130's for sale. The RNZAF hercs were delivered in the late 60's
The RNZAF would probably be interested in acquiring only 6 of the RAF C130-J’s so it would make sense that the RAAF bought the other 8 to have the fleet size to start the process of recruiting & training the additional crews and maintenance personnel that are required before the new J’s arrive. I believe that all of these aircraft have completed the wing box strengthening modification so they should be in similar maintenance condition. One additional advantage for the RAAF if they acquire some of the RAF fleet is that they would gain an air-to-air refueling capability.
13 of the RAF fleet are the longer -30 model but they do have one J model that is the shorter (standard) length - it could be very useful for the RAAF to use as a dedicated Special Forces deployment aircraft.