Operating under No.86 Wing of the Air Lift Group, No. 36 Squadron based at RAAF Richmond, approximately 50kms north west of Sydney, has been flying the C-130H Hercules since 1978. Whilst now over twenty years old, these aircraft are still amongst the most capable tactical transport aircraft in the world due to a series of upgrades and modifications.
The ‘H’ recognisable by its camouflage paint scheme, provides a valuable combination of medium to long range transport with an excellent short dirt runway capability. The primary role of the C-130H is the movement of personnel and equipment within a combat zone, known as Tactical Transport. This includes Special Forces insertion, parachuting (both static-line and free-fall) and the airdrop of equipment. A variety of equipment may be airdropped ranging from 4WD vehicles to inflatable boats and artillery pieces.
With large low-pressure tires and an excellent short take-off and landing capability the ‘H’ is able to operate into remote areas on unpaved airstrips without support equipment. This flexibility is a great asset particularly when operating in the north of Australia. A number of C130H aircraft are fitted with self-protection systems to improve survivability in hostile areas. The self-protection system consists of a Radar Warning Receiver (RWR), along with chaff and flare dispensers. The RWR identifies and locates the radar emissions of Anti-Aircraft Artillery (AAA), Surface to Air Missiles (SAMs) and fighter aircraft. If an aircraft is engaged by one of these threats, chaff and flares can be ejected to defeat them. Chaff comprises of bundles of metallic micro-fibres which when deployed may confuse an enemy radar. Flares are designed to fool heat-seeking missiles by leading the missile away from the aircraft. Tactical operations at night require C-130H crews to utilise Night Vision Goggles (NVGs) for terrain avoidance. These goggles amplify the low levels of ambient light at nighttime, allowing the aircraft to operate close to the ground.
The ‘H’ aircraft has also demonstrated its ability to fulfil a number of important peacetime roles. These include Search and Survivor Assistance (SASA), disaster relief and medical evacuation. SASA covers such operations as assisting a yacht in distress or locating a downed aircraft. During these operations the crew will either visually search at low level or home in on a distress beacon. Once located an Air Sea Rescue Kit (ASRK) containing life rafts, radios, water and emergency equipment may be air dropped to the survivor until further assistance can arrive. Disaster relief may involve the airdrop of hay bales to flood stranded cattle or the evacuation of civilians from flooded towns as occurred at Katherine in the Northern Territory in 1997. The C130H can also be converted into an ‘air ambulance’ for aero medical evacuation (Medivac), as during the Timor conflict in 1999 and the Bali bombing in 2002.
Current modifications being undertaken across the C130H fleet include an updated navigation and communications suite and a Flight Management System, the FMS800. These and other modifications should see the ‘H’ remaining exceptionally capable beyond 2011.