RAF C-130J's to be retired early?
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: 75' from the runway edge and 150' from the threshold
Age: 74
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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
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
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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.
As for the status of the rest of the fleet, see the UKserials website:
UK Serials
UK Serials
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: Dark Side of West Wales
Age: 85
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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!
For some reason the new kit seems to stay a lot higher these days. We will certainly miss dear old Uncle Albert!
Ecce Homo! Loquitur...
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
Last edited by Davef68; 14th Jun 2023 at 13:25.
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.
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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
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
Tower Bridge and Westminster,,,,,,,
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On schedule at Valley (appear to have routed through the Mach loop - I trust they got the correct authorizations)
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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
A truly classic design
PB
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
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