Global Aviation Magazine : 60 Years of the Hercules
GreenKnight,
thank you for the update. So if I understand correctly the RAF 'K' version had the original spec metal. The question then is did the UK know about all of this ? And what is the 'J' made of ? This is what I like about this thread I always learn something on nearly every post. Thanks to you all.
thank you for the update. So if I understand correctly the RAF 'K' version had the original spec metal. The question then is did the UK know about all of this ? And what is the 'J' made of ? This is what I like about this thread I always learn something on nearly every post. Thanks to you all.
Another view of Gan. If you had to do an unaccompanied tour Gan was preferable to Khormaksar or Masirah. At least you could get to Singapore on R and R. Hands up all those who have been there.
Smudge,
I am sorry you think the "drivers" are ignoring you!
XV200 (it might possibly have been 300 thinking about it) was the only one that was seriously bent and we know who bent it! If it had been fully tested we would have had to lower the crosswind limit by quite a bit. All the rest handled very much the same as each other. You have to bear in mind the huge difference between a transport aircraft and a glider - you are much more likely to be flying close to the aircraft's limits in a glider and therefore much more likely to detect small differences in handling.
I am sorry you think the "drivers" are ignoring you!
XV200 (it might possibly have been 300 thinking about it) was the only one that was seriously bent and we know who bent it! If it had been fully tested we would have had to lower the crosswind limit by quite a bit. All the rest handled very much the same as each other. You have to bear in mind the huge difference between a transport aircraft and a glider - you are much more likely to be flying close to the aircraft's limits in a glider and therefore much more likely to detect small differences in handling.
WIDN62,
Oh dear no, I hope you don't think I accused anyone of ignoring me, or anyone else on this thread. There's a lot of input, and some gets missed, it's never a problem. I agree that there was a huge degree of difference in flying Albert and flying a glider. I will never forget watching pilots putting in huge handfuls of aileron, and then immediately opposing it on the approach. Such a control input on a glider would have put it on its back, Albert barely twitched. Thanks for your post, it confirms that flying Albert was a real handful of aircraft.
Smudge
Oh dear no, I hope you don't think I accused anyone of ignoring me, or anyone else on this thread. There's a lot of input, and some gets missed, it's never a problem. I agree that there was a huge degree of difference in flying Albert and flying a glider. I will never forget watching pilots putting in huge handfuls of aileron, and then immediately opposing it on the approach. Such a control input on a glider would have put it on its back, Albert barely twitched. Thanks for your post, it confirms that flying Albert was a real handful of aircraft.
Smudge
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aa62: The way the article is phrased makes me think that the center-box material change was part-way through the C-130E production run - I'm not sure quite when.
GreenKnight,
I wonder if Lockheed would know. Having worked on a/c (Javelin,Hunter and Lightning) I do know that changes are sometimes introduced on the production line and not fully documented. This applies to cars of course as I well know !
I wonder if Lockheed would know. Having worked on a/c (Javelin,Hunter and Lightning) I do know that changes are sometimes introduced on the production line and not fully documented. This applies to cars of course as I well know !
Finals at Gan. Looking forward to beer, chip butties and a raucous game of table top football.
Brian,
much easier to play 'team' table football with one hand and a chip buttie or beer in the other !
much easier to play 'team' table football with one hand and a chip buttie or beer in the other !
Not sure if we have had this pic before. If so apologies !
Up country in Thailand with the Meo Tribesmen. They sold these bows and our singlies used to buy them to encourage the Changi mess cats to look for pastures new.
It's fascinating to see just how much my generation of operators (late 1980s onwards) missed out on in the formative days of Albert's big RAF adventure, especially east of Aden. But I suppose that is part of an enduring cycle; in the early 2000s the younger folks just didn't believe the tales of Caribbean trainers, frequent Berlin night-stops (before the Wall came down), massive buffets laid-out on the Ranger Packs and 'Crazy Janes' being handed out as we taxyed-in to parking on the last leg of a Euro trainer.
Two thing are for certain: firstly, if I had my time over again and was offered any type out of training, it would still be the four-engined fun-bus of Her Majesties Heavier-than-Air Flying Machine and Glee Club; secondly, this thread is a wonderful way to recall 'Herc Life'.
Two thing are for certain: firstly, if I had my time over again and was offered any type out of training, it would still be the four-engined fun-bus of Her Majesties Heavier-than-Air Flying Machine and Glee Club; secondly, this thread is a wonderful way to recall 'Herc Life'.
Mal Drop,
we who were flying in Transport Command/Air Support Command during the sixties onwards were indeed fortunate. We went to lots of exotic places and some of us even had the pleasure of an overseas tour. Great days for which I am truly grateful.
When I was on the group examining unit for the 'K' we were fortunate to do annual inspection visits to SOAF and the RMAF. In this pics our hosts have taken us shopping in Melaka (Malacca). A few more pics of scenery if anyone is interested.
we who were flying in Transport Command/Air Support Command during the sixties onwards were indeed fortunate. We went to lots of exotic places and some of us even had the pleasure of an overseas tour. Great days for which I am truly grateful.
When I was on the group examining unit for the 'K' we were fortunate to do annual inspection visits to SOAF and the RMAF. In this pics our hosts have taken us shopping in Melaka (Malacca). A few more pics of scenery if anyone is interested.
Mal Drop,
Did I almost detect a "frisson" of Mon Cherie in that last post ? Remember the bath appearing from under the stage ? And certainly the dets where we enjoyed the Grand Barbados were memorable, likewise the now defunct Bermudiana (I still have some pool towels from that hotel (the Loady gave them to me)) honest
Like you, I'm entranced by AA62's photographs and reminiscences from the early days, Chickenlover has also posted some great shots that belong in this record of many years of service, not only the aircraft but the people who operated, maintained and supported it for all those years. I'm sure there is more out there to be "exposed", and hopefully all feel free to get stuck in.
AA62 #1851, as Mal Drop was saying, we of the late 80s early 90s were unfortunate in not getting such great places to visit. Those crossbows look lethal.
Smudge
Did I almost detect a "frisson" of Mon Cherie in that last post ? Remember the bath appearing from under the stage ? And certainly the dets where we enjoyed the Grand Barbados were memorable, likewise the now defunct Bermudiana (I still have some pool towels from that hotel (the Loady gave them to me)) honest
Like you, I'm entranced by AA62's photographs and reminiscences from the early days, Chickenlover has also posted some great shots that belong in this record of many years of service, not only the aircraft but the people who operated, maintained and supported it for all those years. I'm sure there is more out there to be "exposed", and hopefully all feel free to get stuck in.AA62 #1851, as Mal Drop was saying, we of the late 80s early 90s were unfortunate in not getting such great places to visit. Those crossbows look lethal.
Smudge
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I came across something today that I thought might be of wider interest ... it seems RAF Albert was also a bit of a Philatelist 
The 'Cover' is for the 30th Anniversary of the C-130K in RAF Service ... With a 'Franking' dated 15th July 2004 celebrating 52 years Service
AA62 ... It would seem that you chaps were asked to carry such consignments from time to time ... presumably in aid of Service Charities ?
A couple of others I found ...
A few crew names are mentioned ...
Best ...
Coff.
PS. Glad to see the thread is still going strong ... and still we have newcomers joining in
The 'Cover' is for the 30th Anniversary of the C-130K in RAF Service ... With a 'Franking' dated 15th July 2004 celebrating 52 years Service
AA62 ... It would seem that you chaps were asked to carry such consignments from time to time ... presumably in aid of Service Charities ?
A couple of others I found ...
A few crew names are mentioned ...
Best ...
Coff.
PS. Glad to see the thread is still going strong ... and still we have newcomers joining in
Last edited by CoffmanStarter; 16th Nov 2014 at 21:10.
Just reading a book by Dennis Williams - Stirlings in action with Airborne Forces, and interestingly, whilst on a larger scale, seems to offer a blue print for the development of SF support to SAS,SBS etc in modern times. 620 and 190 Squadrons operating from Fairford are the focus of the book which is very reasonably priced, particularly on Kindle. It's interesting to see where the likes of the Hereford Hooligans feel they can stroll about in enemy occupied territory, unmolested.
Coff, nice work on the first day covers, I reckon my missing Nav bag contains at least one example of your post. I feel the need to re stimulate Mrs Smudge, award myself a "wee dram" and once more hold the ladder as she bravely ascends
Smudge
Coff, nice work on the first day covers, I reckon my missing Nav bag contains at least one example of your post. I feel the need to re stimulate Mrs Smudge, award myself a "wee dram" and once more hold the ladder as she bravely ascends
Smudge
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I have some good footage of a number of vc10 prodding sorties & some good low level action from the Falklands circa 2005/6 if anyone would be interested? what's the score with posting videos that identify Crew members etc?
what's the score with posting videos that identify Crew members etc?
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Originally Posted by CoffmanStarter
The 'Cover' is for the 30th Anniversary of the C-130K in RAF Service ... With a 'Franking' dated 15th July 2004 celebrating 52 years Service.
Yes, you lot bought into a 22 year-old aircraft!
Just got back from the Classic Car show at the NEC and catching up.
The first day covers are familiar to me. W/C Baynes was OC 48 at Lyneham after I had left it. I think one of the others is a 30 Sqn one when W/C Guest was OC.
Des Hill was a Nav Flt. Cdr on 47.
I have (or did have) one somewhere with my name on it. 30 did a lot of these.
I have been sent a PM asking if a certain tale is correct. As it is out of the 'you could not make it up' file I am giving my memory a chance to catch up.
However I have two questions for the readership.
Does anyone remember the TV series 'Squadron' ?
Do any of the Herc aircrew/groundcrew remember the little paxolin notice under the steps leading up to the flight deck ? It said 'No handhold', or words to that effect. The relevance of these questions will become clear when I relate the tale.
GreenKnight,
we did indeed buy a a 22 ye old design but it was the best for the job. I once had a brand new VW Beetle in 1973 and look how old that design was.
The first day covers are familiar to me. W/C Baynes was OC 48 at Lyneham after I had left it. I think one of the others is a 30 Sqn one when W/C Guest was OC.
Des Hill was a Nav Flt. Cdr on 47.
I have (or did have) one somewhere with my name on it. 30 did a lot of these.
I have been sent a PM asking if a certain tale is correct. As it is out of the 'you could not make it up' file I am giving my memory a chance to catch up.
However I have two questions for the readership.
Does anyone remember the TV series 'Squadron' ?
Do any of the Herc aircrew/groundcrew remember the little paxolin notice under the steps leading up to the flight deck ? It said 'No handhold', or words to that effect. The relevance of these questions will become clear when I relate the tale.
GreenKnight,
we did indeed buy a a 22 ye old design but it was the best for the job. I once had a brand new VW Beetle in 1973 and look how old that design was.
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Remember it (Squadron)? I was in it.
Before my aircrew days I was on holiday in Akrotiri (TASF) for three years, even more of a holiday as this was the early eighties and all traffic was going southwest which meant that AKI Hours were stricly enforced so as not to encroach on our beach time. Been looking for this series to come out on DVD for years, c'mon BBC you've got the first season of "Warship" out there so why not "Squadron". Most of the on ground pan scenes were shot on A Dispersal and I do remember going in on standby one Saturday and helping to setup and then set off the various sim munitions scattered around the bondu. In the first episode where the Herc is seen overflying the archeological dig site, I was standing behind the late great Chas Finn-Kelsey as we overflew the set area, up by the Kart Club, several times. I was also quite into photography at that point and managed to piggy back on a photoshoot for the Radio Times taking place on the wing of the C-130 with the delightful Catriona MacColl who played the RAF Doc, Flt Lt Susan Young. Think I still have a 373 Sqn embroidered patch somewhere.
Of course these days, instead of the bikini she was wearing, she would have denims, full body harness and a dayglo jacket to even venture her head out of the roof escape hatch. Is H&S wonderful?
AA62 Could you be referring to the episode that had the Groundcrew SNCO hiding in the AV bay and interferring with the flying control runs?
Before my aircrew days I was on holiday in Akrotiri (TASF) for three years, even more of a holiday as this was the early eighties and all traffic was going southwest which meant that AKI Hours were stricly enforced so as not to encroach on our beach time. Been looking for this series to come out on DVD for years, c'mon BBC you've got the first season of "Warship" out there so why not "Squadron". Most of the on ground pan scenes were shot on A Dispersal and I do remember going in on standby one Saturday and helping to setup and then set off the various sim munitions scattered around the bondu. In the first episode where the Herc is seen overflying the archeological dig site, I was standing behind the late great Chas Finn-Kelsey as we overflew the set area, up by the Kart Club, several times. I was also quite into photography at that point and managed to piggy back on a photoshoot for the Radio Times taking place on the wing of the C-130 with the delightful Catriona MacColl who played the RAF Doc, Flt Lt Susan Young. Think I still have a 373 Sqn embroidered patch somewhere.
Of course these days, instead of the bikini she was wearing, she would have denims, full body harness and a dayglo jacket to even venture her head out of the roof escape hatch. Is H&S wonderful?
AA62 Could you be referring to the episode that had the Groundcrew SNCO hiding in the AV bay and interferring with the flying control runs?