Technical characteristics specified for the stretched C-130J are:

• Range (at max payload) 2,830 nm
• Cruise speed (at max payload) 300 kts
• Design max payload 16.34t
• Passengers (light order) 125

The existing Royal Air Force Hercules transport fleet first entered service around 30 years ago to be partially replaced by the latest C130J model, now flying with 24 Squadron at RAF Lyneham. The first operational C-130J aircraft was delivered to RAF Lyneham on 23 November 1999, followed by a further three aircraft before the end of December.

The C-130J is an extensively modernised version of the Hercules, incorporating a modern digital flight deck (two pilot operation), integrated avionic systems, new engines and propellers. The new engines and propellers enable reduced fuel consumption and higher flight ceilings to be achieved. Improved navigation systems will allow for greater accuracy in airdrop release operations through improved radar ground mapping and an ability to determine "real time" aircraft position. The introduction of the Head-Up Displays, certified as a Primary Flight Display, promise better pilot performance. These improvements in electronics and propulsion will, together with reduced crew numbers, return considerable benefits in cost of ownership and aircraft availability.

Handley Page Hastings C.1 Aircraft Type: Transport
First Flight: 30/12/46 Entered Service: 10/48 Specification Powerplant: 4 Bristol Hercules 106, 14 cylinder, air-cooled, radials, 1675hp Performance Speed (Kmph): 560 at 6770m Range (Km): 6840 Service Ceiling (m): 8080 Dimensions Wingspan (m): 34.44 Wing Area(m2): 1,048 square foot Length (m): 25.19 Height(m): 6.85 Weights Empty Weight (kg): 22,012 Maximum Take Off Weight (kG) 36288

A Handley Page Hastings from the Colerne era.

Versions C.1 100 aircraft for RAF C.2 43 aircraft for RAF C.4 3 aircraft for RAF (Met) Meteorological research aircraft T.5 Bomber Command trainers attached to Bomber Command Bombing School at RAF Lindholme.

The first prototype flew on May 7th 1946 from R.A.F Wittering, and was introduced into service during the Berlin Airlift. Initial powerplant teething problems gained the Hastings the tag of 'The best three engined transport in the world'! In fact it was more than a match for its rivals with less than the full compliment of four engines working. It was retired from R.A.F service in June 1977 after 29 years.

A C-54 "Skymaster" landing at Gatow, 1948.

Douglas C-54A Skymaster Aircraft Type: Long range general purpose transport First Flight: Entered Service: 1944 Specification Powerplant: 4 1290hp Pratt & whitney R-2000-7 Performance Speed (Kmph): 442 Range (Km): 6275 Service Ceiling (m): 6706 Dimensions Wingspan (m): 35.81 Wing Area(m2): 135.63 Length (m): 28.6 Height(m): 8.38 Weights Empty Weight (kg): 16783 Maximum Take Off Weight (kG) 28123 Weaponry Guns: Bombs etc.: Crew: 6 Notes: Accommodation for 30-50 passengers, eleven supplied to RAF between 1944-1945

Avro York being turned round at Gatow

To find out more about the Berlin Airlift visit this US site http://www.usafe.af.mil/
berlin/berlin.htm

A Civilian DC-3 Impressed for Service with 24 and 31 Squadron. Try a visit to 31's site as well

A400M Atlas - the latest addtion to the Squadron's list of aircraft types.

SUMMER SOCIAL 3rd June 2009 @ Sam and Sue Wrights Garden, Lyneham before a local pub lunch