C-130 News
C-130 Hercules News
RAF retires C-130 after decades of service
June 17, 2023 (by
Asif Shamim) -
The C-130 Hercules time with the Royal Air Force is done. The last three aircraft performed a nationwide flypast and flew in the King's Birthday celebration this past weekend. Thus ending the C-130's duties to the UK's armed forces.
The C-130s have been replaced by the European-designed A400M Atlas which has taken on the duties of the RAF in the medium-lift role.
Two former heads of the RAF have written a letter criticising the Government's decision to cut the remaining 14-strong fleet of Hercules aircraft as a "perverse" and extraordinary decision.
Their letter, published in The Times newspaper, comes as the RAF bid farewell to both Hercules and the squadron that flew her in a nationwide flypast.
It went on to warn that the removal of the last of the C-130J Hercules planes this month will leave a capability gap at a time of rising security risks.
Group Captain Gareth Burdett, Commander Air Wing – Air Mobility, says just six Hercules remain in RAF service. Those already withdrawn from use have been relocated to Marshall Aerospace in Cambridge where they are being prepared for sale.
On Friday, Princess Royal attended a stand-down parade for 47 Squadron at RAF Brize Norton, attended by past and present personnel. Wing Commander James Sjoberg said: "Whilst the retirement of the Hercules and the laying-up of the 47 Squadron standard is a sad moment for many of us, I have full confidence that the people of the RAF Air Mobility Force will continue to deliver excellence around the globe."
47 Squadron will be stood down on 30th June.
RAF C-130J #ZH870 from 47 Sqn is seen as part of a 3-ship Retirement Flypast on June 14, 2023. [Photo by Neil Dunridge]
Two former heads of the RAF have written a letter criticising the Government's decision to cut the remaining 14-strong fleet of Hercules aircraft as a "perverse" and extraordinary decision.
Their letter, published in The Times newspaper, comes as the RAF bid farewell to both Hercules and the squadron that flew her in a nationwide flypast.
It went on to warn that the removal of the last of the C-130J Hercules planes this month will leave a capability gap at a time of rising security risks.
Group Captain Gareth Burdett, Commander Air Wing – Air Mobility, says just six Hercules remain in RAF service. Those already withdrawn from use have been relocated to Marshall Aerospace in Cambridge where they are being prepared for sale.
On Friday, Princess Royal attended a stand-down parade for 47 Squadron at RAF Brize Norton, attended by past and present personnel. Wing Commander James Sjoberg said: "Whilst the retirement of the Hercules and the laying-up of the 47 Squadron standard is a sad moment for many of us, I have full confidence that the people of the RAF Air Mobility Force will continue to deliver excellence around the globe."
47 Squadron will be stood down on 30th June.
Related articles:
Forum discussion:
Tags
Forum discussion:
- Start a discussion about this article in the C-130.net forum.
Tags
Additional images:
RAF C-130J #ZH871 from 47 Sqn is seen as part of a 3-ship Retirement Flypast on June 14, 2023. [Photo by Neil Dunridge]