Global Aviation Magazine : 60 Years of the Hercules
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Gander Actuals
There was a period of a few weeks when the $50 Canadian was rescinded and actuals were introduced. Over a 15 hour night stop we managed B,L,D and a post flight meal in the Albert Ross without leaving the bar.(Apart from the mandatory Tac Kip, that is). Severe Labatt's chemical poisoning accompanied us as far as Dulles.
Next time I went through we were back to mild pollution. I hope that taught me a lesson. Actuals are bad for you!
Next time I went through we were back to mild pollution. I hope that taught me a lesson. Actuals are bad for you!
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Jets magazine are running this article this month, I have found a version on line, the Jets magazine says the crew arrived in a C-130E that was hit on the ground, so spotting the last remaining serviceable C-130A they hurried over to get out of there...
From
History: Last plane out of Saigon - WeTheArmed.com
THE C-130 ON DISPLAY AT THE FRONT GATE OF LITTLE ROCK AFB, ARKANSAS
C-130A USAF 56-0518
was by the 314 TCW, 315 AD, 41 ATS, 328 TAS; to South Vietnamese Air Force 435 Transport Squadron, November 1972; holds the C-130 record for taking off with the most personnel on board, during evacuation of SVN, 29 April 1975, with 452. Returned to USAF, 185 TAS, 105 TAS; gate guard at Little Rock AFB Visitor Center, Arkansas by March 1993
This C-130A Hercules was the 126th built by Lockheed Aircraft corp. of Marietta, Georgia. It was accepted into the Air Force inventory on 23 August 1957.
On 2 November 1972, it was given to the South Vietnamese Air Force as part of the Military Assistance Program. A few years later, the aircraft would be involved in a historic flight.
On 29 April 1975, this Herk was the last out of Vietnam during the fall of Saigon. With over 100 aircraft destroyed on the flight line at Tan Son Nhut Air Base, some of them still burning, it was the last flyable C-130 remaining. In a very panicked state, hundreds of people were rushing to get aboard, as the aircraft represented a final ticket to freedom.
People hurriedly crowded into the Herk, packing in tighter and tighter. Eventually, the loadmaster informed the pilot, Major Phuong, a South Vietnamese instructor pilot, that he could not get the rear ramp closed due to the number of people standing on it. In a moment of inspiration, Major Phuong slowly taxied forward, then hit the brakes. The loadmaster called forward again stating he had successfully got the doors closed.
In all, 452 people were on board, including a staggering 32 in the cockpit alone. Using a conservative estimate of 100 pounds per pe rson, it translated into an overload of at least 10,000 pounds. Consequently, the Herk used every bit of the runway and overrun before it was able to get airborne.
The target was Thailand, which should have been 1:20 in flight time, but after an hour and a half, the aircraft was over the Gulf of Slam, and they were clearly lost. Finally, a map was located, they identified some terrain features, and they were able to navigate. They landed atUtapao, Thailand after a three and a half hour flight.
Ground personnel were shocked at what "fell out" as they opened the doors. It was clear that a longer flight would almost certainly have resulted in a loss of life. In the end, however, all 452 people made it to freedom aboard this historic C-130.
Upon landing, the aircraft was reclaimed by the United States Air Force and assigned to two different Air National Guard units for the next 14 years.
On 28 June 1989, it made its final flight to Little Rock Air Force Base and placed on permanent display.
C-130A USAF 56-0518
was by the 314 TCW, 315 AD, 41 ATS, 328 TAS; to South Vietnamese Air Force 435 Transport Squadron, November 1972; holds the C-130 record for taking off with the most personnel on board, during evacuation of SVN, 29 April 1975, with 452. Returned to USAF, 185 TAS, 105 TAS; gate guard at Little Rock AFB Visitor Center, Arkansas by March 1993
This C-130A Hercules was the 126th built by Lockheed Aircraft corp. of Marietta, Georgia. It was accepted into the Air Force inventory on 23 August 1957.
On 2 November 1972, it was given to the South Vietnamese Air Force as part of the Military Assistance Program. A few years later, the aircraft would be involved in a historic flight.
On 29 April 1975, this Herk was the last out of Vietnam during the fall of Saigon. With over 100 aircraft destroyed on the flight line at Tan Son Nhut Air Base, some of them still burning, it was the last flyable C-130 remaining. In a very panicked state, hundreds of people were rushing to get aboard, as the aircraft represented a final ticket to freedom.
People hurriedly crowded into the Herk, packing in tighter and tighter. Eventually, the loadmaster informed the pilot, Major Phuong, a South Vietnamese instructor pilot, that he could not get the rear ramp closed due to the number of people standing on it. In a moment of inspiration, Major Phuong slowly taxied forward, then hit the brakes. The loadmaster called forward again stating he had successfully got the doors closed.
In all, 452 people were on board, including a staggering 32 in the cockpit alone. Using a conservative estimate of 100 pounds per pe rson, it translated into an overload of at least 10,000 pounds. Consequently, the Herk used every bit of the runway and overrun before it was able to get airborne.
The target was Thailand, which should have been 1:20 in flight time, but after an hour and a half, the aircraft was over the Gulf of Slam, and they were clearly lost. Finally, a map was located, they identified some terrain features, and they were able to navigate. They landed atUtapao, Thailand after a three and a half hour flight.
Ground personnel were shocked at what "fell out" as they opened the doors. It was clear that a longer flight would almost certainly have resulted in a loss of life. In the end, however, all 452 people made it to freedom aboard this historic C-130.
Upon landing, the aircraft was reclaimed by the United States Air Force and assigned to two different Air National Guard units for the next 14 years.
On 28 June 1989, it made its final flight to Little Rock Air Force Base and placed on permanent display.
History: Last plane out of Saigon - WeTheArmed.com
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Please put me out of my misery. Thttp://www.pprune.org/forums/images/smilies2/eusa_wall.gif
That's ME, second from the left (The F/E) and have no recollection. Bloody age thing. Looked in my log book and could not find an entry for all of 1977 that I flew in 195.
That's ME, second from the left (The F/E) and have no recollection. Bloody age thing. Looked in my log book and could not find an entry for all of 1977 that I flew in 195.
Cheers everyone !
At one stage, the bar in Sinbad's was run by a lady called Sandy. We arrived one Sunday lunchtime to find the dining room closed, so we ordered beers and Sandy produced a pad of blank Domino's Pizza receipts. She said "OK 8 of you - we'll have 8 salads, 8 lots of chicken wings, 8 medium pizzas with all the toppings, etc." She totalled it up and wrote out a receipt. The imprest holder gave her the money and she kept us topped up with beer for the afternoon. Later on another crew turned up who actually wanted pizza. When it arrived I looked at their receipt - a handwriting expert wouldn't have been able to tell the difference between theirs and ours.
It was a sad loss when her husband got a promotion and they moved to Halifax.
It was a sad loss when her husband got a promotion and they moved to Halifax.
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My sampling of Canadian music was in Gander on detachment when the Gambo River Boys? played, Locals looked on in amazement when myself and a mate broke out in sycronised applause and cheering when they announced they were going to take a break. Place was packed with tone deaf Canadians.
I believe it or not got approached in the mens toilets by a Canadian whilst I was having a leak, to ask if I was interested in operating as his importer come agent in the UK for his fish as he owned a Trawler.......... I look back in amazement, here was I half pissed, todger in hand doing what men do best, and here is this whopping great Canadian fishermen standing next to me asking me if I am interested in his fish!
I relayed what had been said to one of the others on the detachement who was an old hand at going there and also a Chef in his past life, he looked on on amazement and then nearly broke down in tears as he pointed out that it was a dream offer and I could have been rich by now...
I believe it or not got approached in the mens toilets by a Canadian whilst I was having a leak, to ask if I was interested in operating as his importer come agent in the UK for his fish as he owned a Trawler.......... I look back in amazement, here was I half pissed, todger in hand doing what men do best, and here is this whopping great Canadian fishermen standing next to me asking me if I am interested in his fish!
I relayed what had been said to one of the others on the detachement who was an old hand at going there and also a Chef in his past life, he looked on on amazement and then nearly broke down in tears as he pointed out that it was a dream offer and I could have been rich by now...
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In #2488 I posted
I have just heard that Gus died 1 Mar after a long fight with cancer.
Relief Supplies - Nicaragua 13 Jul - 1 Aug 1979
Red Cross Specials. Flt Lt Ian Drake, Cpl Gus Cobb plus 1. Delivery of relief supplies to Nicaragua following the Nicaraguan Civil War. Whilst at Managua Airport the Nicaraguan National Guard attempted to hijack the aircraft. This attempt was foiled by the crew including Cpl Gus Cobb for which they were later made members of the RAF Escaping Society.
* * * * *
On 1 Jan this year (1980) Cpl Gus Cobb was awarded a Commendation by the AOC No 38 Group for his fine service to the Squadron and in particular for his part in the Managua incident last July. (Attempted Hercules Hijacking). Cpl Cobb is now serving in Belize.
Red Cross Specials. Flt Lt Ian Drake, Cpl Gus Cobb plus 1. Delivery of relief supplies to Nicaragua following the Nicaraguan Civil War. Whilst at Managua Airport the Nicaraguan National Guard attempted to hijack the aircraft. This attempt was foiled by the crew including Cpl Gus Cobb for which they were later made members of the RAF Escaping Society.
* * * * *
On 1 Jan this year (1980) Cpl Gus Cobb was awarded a Commendation by the AOC No 38 Group for his fine service to the Squadron and in particular for his part in the Managua incident last July. (Attempted Hercules Hijacking). Cpl Cobb is now serving in Belize.
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I thought it was about time for a few more pages from the Air Clues archives ...
So returning to my post #2561 ... My clue was related to a further expedition to Greenland in 1977 involving further air support from RAF Albert
Source & Image Credit : MOD RAF Air Clues Nov 1977 (Pages 412 to 413)
Best ...
Coff.
So returning to my post #2561 ... My clue was related to a further expedition to Greenland in 1977 involving further air support from RAF Albert
Source & Image Credit : MOD RAF Air Clues Nov 1977 (Pages 412 to 413)
Best ...
Coff.
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This next extract is interesting and relates to the S-T-R-E-T-C-H-I-N-G of RAF Albert up at Cambridge (XV223 in particular)
Source & Image Credit : MOD RAF Air Clues Jan 1980 (Pages 30 to 31)
Best ...
Coff.
Source & Image Credit : MOD RAF Air Clues Jan 1980 (Pages 30 to 31)
Best ...
Coff.
Thread Starter
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I wonder if any of our regular Thread Readership might be able to add to the Dacca Evacuation covered in this article from Air Clues ...
Source & Image Credit : MOD RAF Air Clues Feb 1972 (Pages 164, 165 & 169)
Best ...
Coff.
Source & Image Credit : MOD RAF Air Clues Feb 1972 (Pages 164, 165 & 169)
Best ...
Coff.
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keep it coming Coff.
I certainly remember seeing the stretching going on at Marshall.
The Js we took delivery of were built as long ones. Odd that the Mk 5 was the short one!
I found a copy of the Royal Air Force Public Relations Magazine No 7 from 1985 when searching the summer house for toys for grandchildren at the w/e. It is quite C130 heavy including bits on Snoopy and ALMs role. I am sure there are a couple of AA62s mates mentioned.
Force levels at the time 74,000 and 260+ Tonkas
When this dries up I will fire up the scanner!
I certainly remember seeing the stretching going on at Marshall.
The Js we took delivery of were built as long ones. Odd that the Mk 5 was the short one!
I found a copy of the Royal Air Force Public Relations Magazine No 7 from 1985 when searching the summer house for toys for grandchildren at the w/e. It is quite C130 heavy including bits on Snoopy and ALMs role. I am sure there are a couple of AA62s mates mentioned.
Force levels at the time 74,000 and 260+ Tonkas
When this dries up I will fire up the scanner!
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Standing: Frank Holmes, Peter Herring, Keith Parker, Troop Smith, Bob Thacker, Charlie Dalgleish, Norrie Radcliffe, Don Stewart, Roy Millington (Movs Masirah)
Kneeling: Doug Lister, Colin Allen, Hugh Curran, Charlie Marlow, Keith Simmonds
Op Hamish 8 - 13 Dec 1971
Soon after I arrived in November 1971 war broke out between India and Pakistan. Some old sweats will remember that we had a dozen or so Hercs based at Masirah for a about a week and teams came from UK and NEAF MAMS. Sorties were flown to Karachi and Islamabad during a week of very intensive ops and we brought out well over 1,000 refugees and packed them off screaming in VC10s to Akrotiri to be re-distrubuted from there. Many nationalities were involved and I had a terrible job persuading people from the Far East, Australia and New Zealand that they had to go West to go East.
Soon after I arrived in November 1971 war broke out between India and Pakistan. Some old sweats will remember that we had a dozen or so Hercs based at Masirah for a about a week and teams came from UK and NEAF MAMS. Sorties were flown to Karachi and Islamabad during a week of very intensive ops and we brought out well over 1,000 refugees and packed them off screaming in VC10s to Akrotiri to be re-distrubuted from there. Many nationalities were involved and I had a terrible job persuading people from the Far East, Australia and New Zealand that they had to go West to go East.
Hercules C4 and C5
Dragartist comments that it is odd that the short J should be the 5.
OR asked us in DAirOps (MoD) what the Js should termed. My answer was that for consistency the short ones should be 4, we leave 5 empty in case we modded another special a la Snoopy and made the long ones 6. This seemed to be a reasonable extension from what had preceded them.
Can't do that said OR, the sleeping policeman on the procurement road, the first ones delivered will be long and they have to take the next number, hence 4. The short ones came after the long ones and, therefore, had to be 5. The short ones were meant for SF because everybody knew that you could not do tactical landings etc or rough field ops with a long fuselage even though all the 3s had the improved landing gear as would all the Js. We tried to get the order changed to all long but OR knew better.
OR asked us in DAirOps (MoD) what the Js should termed. My answer was that for consistency the short ones should be 4, we leave 5 empty in case we modded another special a la Snoopy and made the long ones 6. This seemed to be a reasonable extension from what had preceded them.
Can't do that said OR, the sleeping policeman on the procurement road, the first ones delivered will be long and they have to take the next number, hence 4. The short ones came after the long ones and, therefore, had to be 5. The short ones were meant for SF because everybody knew that you could not do tactical landings etc or rough field ops with a long fuselage even though all the 3s had the improved landing gear as would all the Js. We tried to get the order changed to all long but OR knew better.
Dacca Airlift
I well remember recieving one of the aircraft used on that job at Colerne. Not long after the event, said Albert turned up ready for its Base 3, and we, as always, were eager to ply our trade. When we lifted the floors we found enough foreign loose change to keep your average numismatist busy for a few days, and it was obvious that the refugees did not appreciate the in flight rations offered by our crews as they did their work. The Base 3 was eventually extended, to accomodate the foul state of the aircraft. I note that on "another forum" an attempt is afoot for ex Colernites to reunite, could be interesting.
It was a great effort by our aircrew and support to accomplish, and should always be to their credit, I'm sure many never thought to check what the refuges were throwing away, and where. And who could blame them ? Coff me boy
keep the home fire burning, whilst some, like myself, take a "monitoring" role for a while. Nice to see MAMS making some noise again, it was ever thus
Smudge
It was a great effort by our aircrew and support to accomplish, and should always be to their credit, I'm sure many never thought to check what the refuges were throwing away, and where. And who could blame them ? Coff me boy
keep the home fire burning, whilst some, like myself, take a "monitoring" role for a while. Nice to see MAMS making some noise again, it was ever thusSmudge