I understand that this particular aircraft, in which I have several hundred hours as a F/E in the RAAF, is/was the only operational C130A with AeroProducts propellers. I also have been told that the propellers may be, or may have already been, replaced by a new Sundstrand multi blade propeller similar to that fitted to the C130J. I would be extremely surprised if this aircraft was anywhere near Tarin Kowt. Earl Cherry has used it for many varied tasks, but I doubt ferrying Australian war dead from Afghanistan. It was probably a C130H of the RAAF which replaced the C130A's in 1978. Both the C130H and the C130J are used by the RAAF in the Middle East. The old girl is still useful after 53 years of service.
