RAF C-130J's to be retired early?

[ACW342]

Bye Bye Herc

The first air clues I read when I first joined the RAF had a headline which read “Bye Bye Bev”, the following issue read “Hello Herc” I Don't know if a similar headline " Bye Bye Herc" will appear there.
And now, of course, the RAF WILL have a shortfall in tactical transport. At least a bit more parking space at Prize Boredom when we ask our NATO colleagues to do a bit of transporting for us, especially for the nice people up Hereford way looking for a lift, You know, a bit like when we were asking those nice NATO people if they wouldn't mind searching for unwanted submarines in our waters and could the nice people at Geilenkirkhen keep an eye out for unwanted wild life like Bears approaching our airspace 'cos, sorry, we didn't have the kit ourselves.

A342

[nipva]

The first J

It would be fitting if ZH865 was to be part of the formation being the first on charge. Photo of it's arrival at BDN in September 1998 very nearly 25 years ago.

[teeonefixer]

Sorry to say this nipva, but ZH865 was put into store at Cambridge in May.

As for the status of the rest of the fleet, see the UKserials website:
UK Serials

[chevvron]

Originally Posted by teeonefixer

As for the status of the rest of the fleet, see the UKserials website:
UK Serials

So what happens when they use up the last of the 'ZZ's? Do they start using the myriads of 'never issued' serial numbers or maybe start again using 'AA' and 4 numbers?

[teeonefixer]

The rate they are buying new airframes, it'll take a long while to fill in the rest of the ZM-ZZ allocations !

[DODGYOLDFART]

Sad that they are missing out West Wales as so much low flying was done here. When I say low I mean low, there had been many occasions when I thought my chimney pot was definitely a goner and often at night!

For some reason the new kit seems to stay a lot higher these days. We will certainly miss dear old Uncle Albert!

[dixi188]

Re. the routimg, I see it's 1hr. 7 mins. from Colchester to Boscombe Down, so there must be a bit more than just flying over Thorney Island on the way.

[ORAC]

https://twitter.com/haynesdeborah/st...HhlFHGKbTPQr_A

NEW: Two former @RoyalAirForce chiefs & other top commanders condemn “perverse” “extraordinary” cost-cutting decision to ditch UK fleet of C-130 aircraft - vital for flying troops, evacuating civilians & supporting special forces operations. Here is their letter in @thetimes





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[Davef68]

Originally Posted by chevvron

So what happens when they use up the last of the 'ZZ's? Do they start using the myriads of 'never issued' serial numbers or maybe start again using 'AA' and 4 numbers?

Plenty of numbers left - they started allocating 'custom' numbers in the early 2000s and it's become a bit messy. - they were on ZK when they started ZZ, originally leased or UOR aircraft, then someone put the Wildcats in there. Now, rather than a straight linear progression, tail numbers are sometimes selected to suit the aircraft/fleet.

[sfm818]

Austria are in the market to replace their K's. The unnecessary release from service of an entire J series fleet is fortunate timing from their point of view and a good option to inherit more kit from the Royal Air Force.

[esscee]

"Omen 1" , over Hereford at present.

[Davef68]

Originally Posted by esscee

"Omen 1" , over Hereford at present.

2 and 3 appeared to switch off their transponders south of Cosford. Hereford wasn't on the 'official' announced route but not surprising

[teej013]

Timings:1000 Depart RAF Brize Norton

1025 National Memorial Arboretum, Alrewas

1034 RAF Cosford

1122 RAF Valley

1148 FS Aldergrove

1251 RAF Lossiemouth (with Typhoon escort)

1408 RAF Leeming

1410 RAF Topcliffe

1423 Beverley

1435 RAF Waddington

1438 RAF College Cranwell

1458 Cambridge Airport

1504 RAF Mildenhall

1515 Colchester Garrison

1622 MOD Boscombe Down

1625 Salisbury Plain (West Down Camp)

1632 MOD Lyneham

1636 Royal Wootton Bassett

1639 Defence Academy of the UK, Shrivenham

1643 Dalton Barracks, Abingdon

1651 RAF Halton

1655 RAF High Wycombe

1705 RAF Brize Norton

[On_The_Top_Bunk]

Nor the Mach loop...

You Tube

[sycamore]

Tower Bridge and Westminster,,,,,,,

[chevvron]

Nice to see Halton is on the itinerary; I did a lot of flying there in gliders and microlights; pity there's nothing for Henlow or Benson.

[SLXOwft]

On schedule at Valley (appear to have routed through the Mach loop - I trust they got the correct authorizations)

[dagenham]

Shame no alder****, or Hankley common

[pax britanica]

Sad day, I will miss the Hercs wizzing along at low level folowing th railway from Chippenham area , over Frome and onwards southwest and later on reversing the course. Looked very dramatic seeing them appear to vanish behind various local hills and reappear on the other side and i am sure the crews enjoyed it too

A truly classic design

PB

[teeonefixer]

Unfortunately I will be out when they fly over my house! I played a small role in their upkeep and development at Marshalls when I left Uni, so realise what a sad day this is.
Beverley would seem an unusual location for the tour, but they make a point of passing over Beverley Racecourse where 47Sqn was formed in 1916. They provided fighter defence for the East Coast (Hull suffered 8 Zeppelin raids alone). An Armstrong-Whitworth FK.3 is pictured.
Thanks to the RF Leconfield Heritage FB page for the information and photograph.

Centre Wing Static strength Test

AW FK3 on Beverley Racecourse