Originally Posted by
scroggs
The Herc fleet was reduced to 48 aircraft, with the rest as 'in use reserves'. Two squadrons, 48 and 36, were stood down. I think at the time of the decision 62 C Mk1s remained on the books of the 66 purchased.
None were actually retired with all 62 being split between A and B Line Servicing Squadrons plus the W2 of the MRF at Farnborough.
The original plan was certainly to go to 48 but also to retain 53 Squadrons Belfasts. When the decision to disband 53 and retire the Belfast was made the Hercules reduction was dropped, along with the plan to retire 3 or 4 of 10 Squadrons VC10’s.