Australia DSTO develops cost-saving software for C-130J operators

Australia's Defence Science and Technology Organisation (DSTO), together with the Royal Australian Air Force, has developed a software that assists in the dynamic balancing of propellers, resulting in lower vibration levels and reducing maintenance costs. Several C-130J operators are already using the software, with more to follow.

India's first C-130J flies

Lockheed Martin has undertaken the first flight of the Indian Air Force's first C-130J Hercules transport. The IAF has ordered six stretched C-130J and the first aircraft is slated for delivery in December.

Airmen participate in Operation Market Garden anniversary

Three C-130J Super Hercules assigned to the 37th Airlift Squadron traveled to Holland Sept. 16 to 19 to participate in the reenactment of the largest airborne assault in history. More than 1,000 Dutch, German, British, Polish and American servicemembers participated in the event near Eindhoven as part of a commemoration of the 66th anniversary of Operation Market Garden which occurred in September 1944.

ST Aerospace delivers first upgraded C-130 to RSAF

The first of 10 upgraded C130 Hercules transports has been delivered to the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) by Singapore Technologies Aerospace. The upgraded aircraft features among other improvements, a new glass cockpit.

RNZAF Hercules upgrade deal agreed

The New Zealand government has concluded an agreement to complete the lond delayed upgrade of the RNZAF's C-130s. The next priority would be to upgrade its P-3 Orions and purchasing new helicopters.

1st Boeing C-130 AMP LRIP aircraft inducted

The first Low-Rate Initial Production aircraft for the C-130 Avionics Modernization Program (AMP) has been inducted into Boeing's Georgia facility for upgrading.

US Air Force reservists support flood relief operations

The operation to provide humanitarian assistance to the victims of the Pakistani floods continue with USAF reservist C-130 crews and aircraft from the 746th Expeditionary Wing supporting the operation.

Investigation finds Hercules, Cobra mid-air collision avoidable

An investigation into the mid air collision between a US Coast Guard HC-130 and a US Marine Corps AH-1W Super Cobra off California last year says that the incident which killed nine crew on both aircraft was "entirely preventable".

Malaysian Air Force C-130s deliver aid to Pakistan

The Tentara Udara Diraja Malaysia (TUDM or Royal Malaysian Air Force) has dispatched two C-130 Hercules transports loaded with 50,000 lbs of relief aid to the victims of flooding in Pakistan.

Yokota C-130 Adds to JPAC Mission

The C-130s of the 374th Airlift Wing have been supporting the Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command (JPAC) in their search for missing US servicemen from the battle of Tarawa.

Oman acquires 2 more C-130Js

The Sultanate of Oman has ordered 2 more C-130J Hercules transport aircraft from Lockheed Martin. This is in addition to the C-130J ordered by the Omani AF in 2009. The Sultanate is also buying an Airbus A320.

PHOTO: Polar mission

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Maj. Leroy Kinlocke (left) and his co-pilot, Lt. Col. George Alston, have a front-row view of the diverse landscape July 28, 2010, in Greenland. The pilots are with the New York National Guard's 109th Airlift Wing, based out of Scotia, N.Y. (Department of Defense photo/Fred W. Baker III)

See related feature on the NY ANG's missions to supply outposts in Greenland.

Australia, Indonesia in Herculean effort

The Australian and Indonesian Air Forces (TNI-AU) are currently holding a joint airdrop exercise in the Northern Territory, Australia codenamed Rajawali Ausindo. Both Air Forces are contributing a C-130 Hercules each, based at RAAF Darwin.

First flight for USAF's HC-130J

The first of two Lockheed Martin HC-130J combat-configured tankers ordered by the USAF has made its first flight from LM's Marietta, Georgia facility. It will be delivered in September and Initial Operating Capability is expected in 2012.

PHOTO: MC-130P Combat Shadow

No idea why the USAF is posting up a photo from 2003 on its Photo Gallery, but...


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An MC-130P Combat Shadow from the 17th Special Operations Squadron at Kadena Air Base, Japan, begins its takeoff roll on the runway in 2003 at Udon Thani, Thailand. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Jeremy Henderson)

RNZAF Hercules upgrade deal close

Stuff.co.nz is reporting that the New Zealand government is close to a deal to complete the long delayed contract to upgrade the RNZAF's C-130H Hercules.

US to start overhauling TNI-AU C-130s

The Jakarta Globe is reporting that the TNI-AU is sending a C-130 to Arinc in Oklahoma for overhaul, the first since the recent thaw in US-Indonesian military relationship.

Exercise Pitch Black arrivals, Darwin, Australia

Reports beginning to filter in of RSAF and RTAF movements into Darwin, Australia for Exercise Pitch Black.

An RSAF C-130 and KC-135, RTAF A310 and at least 2 F-16s have been seen.

Stay tuned for more in the coming days

PHOTO: RAAF conducts high-intensity deployed airfield operations

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20100706raaf8437501_0005: A C-130J Hercules throws its props in to reverse having just landed at Benning Field airstrip in Townsville Field Training Area during Exercise Precision Red. (ADF Photo)

More photos at the ADF's Ex Precision Red Image Gallery