The Lockheed C-130J Hercules entered service with the Royal Australian Air Force in 1999, replacing the ageing C-130E fleet that had served since 1966. Operated by No.37 Squadron at RAAF Richmond, approximately 50kms north west of Sydney, the C-130J is the most comprehensive update of the Hercules aircraft with new two-crew flight compartment and turbo prop engines that drive six blade propellers. The C-130J is a tactical and multi role transport aircraft providing strategic air support to the Australian Defence Force (ADF) throughout the world, search and survivor assistance, aero medical evacuation and aid to Australian and neighbouring civil communities.
The ‘J’ is highly automated and contains state-of-the-art avionics technology. The flight deck features two head up displays (HUDs), four large multi function displays, five monochrome displays and Hands on Stick and Throttle (HOTAS) controls on the control columns. This glass cockpit technology also includes an Automatic Flight Control System, autothrottle, Head Down Display, Traffic Collision Avoidance System, Ground Collision Avoidance System and a stick pusher to prevent inadvertent aircraft stall. Integrated Navigation equipment provides the pilots with an automatic navigation solution from Inertial Navigation System, Global Positioning System as well as regular ground based navigation aids.
All automation has multiple levels of redundancy for the tactical environment. The aircraft is Night Vision Goggle compatible and is fitted for, but not with, electronic countermeasure equipment. This increase in automated control has allowed the minimum crew to be reduced from five in the C-130H, to just three (two pilots and a loadmaster), removing the requirement for a Flight Engineer and Navigator.
The ‘J’ can seat 120 passengers, or 92 ground troops, or 64 paratroopers, or 74 stretcher patients and two medical attendants. Compared to the earlier C-130E and H models, the ‘stretch’ C-130J can also carry two extra cargo pallets, allowing an increase of nearly 30% in cargo carrying capability. Chains and tie-downs for cargo, and passenger seating platforms are stowed integral to the cargo compartment to allow last minute changes to tasking and loads.