C-130H (NZ) Hercules
The C-130 Hercules element of the FWTF is provided by No. 40 Squadron RNZAF. The Squadron is equipped with a total fleet of five C-130 Hercules aircraft which have recently been upgraded to the C-130H (NZ) following a Life Extension Programme (LEP).
The C-130 aircraft conducts strategic and tactical air transport tasks including the deployment and transportation of personnel and equipment, support to NZDF exercises, aeromedical evacuation, to humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations. They also provide a range of support services to Government and the community, including the United States Antarctic Programme.
No. 40 Squadron provides six C-130 crews, usually of six personnel being a pilot captain, co-pilot, air warfare officer, air engineer and two air loadmasters to conduct directed tasks after bringing the C-130H (NZ) aircraft into service.
| Aircraft |
C-130H Hercules |
| Manufacturer |
Lockheed (USA) |
| Power plant |
4 x Allison T56-A-15 engines (4,910 shaft horsepower) |
| Length |
29.8m(98ft) |
| Wingspan |
40.5m (133ft) |
| Height |
11.7m(38ft) |
| Basic weight |
34,927kgs (77,000lbs) |
| Gross weight |
70,307kgs (155,000lbs) |
| Max payload |
17,250kgs (38,000lbs) |
| Max fuel |
28,540kgs (62,920lbs) |
| Ferry Range |
Approx 7,400km (4,000NM) |
| Typical Range |
Range of approx 4,100km (2,200NM) with payload of 12,700Kgs (28,000Ibs) |
|
Note: All performance figures for still air, ISA conditions with standard fuel reserves |
| Cruising speed |
555 km/h (300kts) |
| Operational altitude |
Sea level - 12,802m (42,000ft) |
| Crew |
Two pilots, one navigator, one flight engineer and two loadmasters |
| Passenger Configuration |
92 Troops or 64 Paratroops |
| Medivac Configuration |
74 stretchers |
| Freight Configuration |
6 cargo pallets |
| Fleet History |
The RNZAF currently operates five C-130 Hercules. It took delivery of the first three Hercules (NZ7001 - NZ7003) in 1965. These were the first C-130H production models off the Lockheed production line. A further two C-130H, (NZ7004 - NZ7005) were added in 1969. The aircraft have undergone a modernisation and structural improvement programme to ensure that they last until 2025. |