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Mike Hancock (Portsmouth South, Liberal Democrat) Hansard source
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the circumstances were of each incident of C130 aircraft being hit by hostile fire in each of the last three years; and if he will make a statement.
Adam Ingram (Minister of State (Armed Forces), Ministry of Defence) Hansard source
There were no incidents of RAF C130 aircraft being hit by hostile fire in 2003.
In 2004 there were three incidents of RAF C130 aircraft being hit by hostile fire.
On 11 April 2004, a C130K aircraft travelled en route from Baghdad International airport to Balad. On inspection of the aircraft at Balad, it was found that a projectile had hit the upper fuselage. The aircraft was deemed serviceable and was able to continue its mission.
On 1 May 2004, an inspection of a C130K aircraft at Baghdad International airport revealed evidence of a small single ballistic impact on the aircraft's front quarter. The damage was repaired and the aircraft was able to continue its mission.
On 6 August 2004, a C130 was en route to Baghdad International airport, when a fuel leak was discovered in one of the wing fuel tanks. The aircraft was able to continue to its destination. On arrival, it was found that the wing fuel tank had been ruptured by a small calibre round.
In January 2005, C130 Hercules XV179 was hit by hostile fire, which resulted in the tragic loss of the aircraft, its crew and passengers. This incident was investigated by a RAF Board of Inquiry and the Air Accident Investigation Branch, as outlined in my right hon. Friend's statement of 8 December 2005, Official Report, column 1009.
There have been no reported incidents in which C130 Hercules aircraft have been hit by hostile fire since the loss of XV179.
So there we have it, the Minister confirms that almost 6 months before XV179 was shot down an RAF C130 was hit in the fuel tank with a small calibre round. Remember this ac had just been fully refuelled with relatively cool fuel hence very little fuel vapour build up.....But it was not deemed necessary to fit foam until we lost one.
LEADERSHIP???????
Last edited by nigegilb; 4th Apr 2006 at 20:10.