Countdown for the C-130K
 

I am interested in any thoughts of a farewell to the 'K' in 2012. I converted to
the Herc in 1967 at Sewart AFB, Tenn, USA and flew it on and off until 1981. Would like to hear from any other survivors either through PPrune or [email protected]

C130K farewell
 

I agree with you. I trained at Sewart AFB in February 1967 on the E model, converted to the 'K' at Lockheed Marietta and spent eighteen happy months ferrying the shiny beasts back to Cambridge.

My captain was Jock Simpson who still has the distinction of being the only(?) pilot to do a two engine landing in the Herc when the refuellers incorrectly refitted the overwing fuel caps at Colerne prior to an air test.

I was his flight engineer at Sewart and subsequent ferry flights which should identify me.

C130K
 

OK, we were probably there together with such memorables as John Robbins, Pete Burridge, Vic Blake and many others. If you were ferrying (as I was) with The mighty Sporran you must have had John Cresswell as your CO-P. e me on [email protected]. That might give you a clue. (Ralph?). WR.

LL

Sorry to spoil your statement, but we've had noduff 2 engine approaches since then. I think the last one started off as a 3 engine ferry.........

So is there an officially announced 2012 retirement date for the K model - or is it dependant on A400M development progress?

C130K
 

I enquired through an MOD web site and was advised of the 2012 date, though as they used to say...flexibility is the key to air power.

Won't they be required for maritime patrol?

When Ainsworth was questioned yesterday about the capability gap arising from withdrawal of Nimrod MR2's he said we would be able to fulfill our committments wit "Merlin and Hercules" :rolleyes::rolleyes::rolleyes:

OP

Isn't flexibility is the catchcry of the incompetent?

Remember of course that Indecision is the key to Flexibility!

C130 retirement
 

In an e mail from SecEC Air 1 with an e address of [email protected] 2012 was quoted with theA400 replacing Fat Albert