C-130H (NZ) Hercules
The C-130 Hercules element of the Fixed Wing Transport Forces (FWTF) is provided by No. 40 Squadron RNZAF. The Squadron operates a fleet of five C-130 Hercules aircraft which have been upgraded to the C-130H (NZ) following a Life Extension Programme (LEP).
The C-130H provides strategic airlift (inter-theatre) and tactical airlift (intra-theatre) as well as participating in international training exercises. Tasks are flown in support of combat, peacekeeping and humanitarian relief operations. The agility of the C-130H (NZ) means it can be seen operating in the cold of Antarctica one week and the heat of the tropics the next.
No. 40 Squadron provides C-130 crews of six personnel - pilot, co-pilot, air warfare officer, air engineer and two loadmasters.
Missions flown include:
- passenger and cargo movement (by Airland and Airdrop)
- combat employment and sustainment
- aero-medical evacuation
- Special Operations support.
| 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. Upgraded aircraft are designated C-130H (NZ) |