Images Dated 10th January 2001

Hercules C130J of 24 Sqn

A Hercules C130J transport aircraft of 24 Sqn, based at RAF Lyneham in Wiltshire.
The RAF has a total of 25 C-130J C4/C5 aircraft. The C4 is almost the same size as the current C3 aircraft, but with a slightly shorter fuselage, while the C5 is the same size as the C1. The C-130J has been modified and upgraded to include new Allison AE turboprop engines and Dowty Aerospace six-bladed composite propellers. The new engines and advanced propellers, coupled with a new digital engine-control system, give the C-130J increased take-off thrust and better fuel efficiency; thus the external fuel tanks have been omitted. The aircraft also has a revised flight deck with modern glass-cockpit and head-up displays, allowing two-pilot, flight deck operation. The cockpit of the aircraft is fully night-vision compatible with the use of night-vision goggles. A separate air loadmaster station has been established in the cargo hold. The aircraft has been cleared for wider use in the tactical TS role and is used for operational missions involving parachute ops and air despatch.
The defensive-aids suite includes a missile warning system linked to the directional, infrared countermeasure system, a radar warning receiver and a chaff and flare dispensing system. The defensive system helps protect the aircraft against surface-to-air and air-to-air infrared seeking weapons that may be encountered during operations

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