Royal Air Pressure Marks C-130 Hercules Fleet Retirement With Flyby

The UK Royal Air Pressure carried out a flyby to mark the retirement of its C-130 Hercules army transport fleet on the finish of June.

Through the occasion, a three-plane formation flew over places related to the Hercules fleet and its 47 Squadron operators.

A stand-down parade led by the squadron was carried out earlier than the ceremonial flight.

All through decommissioning, the 47 Squadron Normal will likely be briefly laid at RAFC Cranwell School Corridor.

Yesterday the Hercules C-130J saluted the nation with a flypast across the nation. Share your reminiscences beneath as we are saying goodbye to this legendary plane.#Hercules #C130J pic.twitter.com/bY7P84x5Ed

— Royal Air Pressure (@RoyalAirForce) June 15, 2023

The C-130 Hercules

The Royal Air Pressure’s first C-130 arrived in Cambridge in December 1966.

Since its deployment, the plane has carried out worldwide missions to help the UK armed forces and different non-combat operations equivalent to humanitarian reduction.

The C-130, initially operated by the 242 Operational Conversion Unit, has been deployed for nearly 60 years.

The platform was an efficient and versatile asset for airlift and airdrop duties and was capable of function in difficult environments.

“I’ve some improbable reminiscences. There’s a enormous swelling of pleasure of being the primary plane in and final plane out of Afghanistan, supporting the humanitarian assist there,” C-130 Pilot Warrant Officer Scott Drinkel acknowledged in a BBC report.

“All people pulls collectively so effectively, even very not too long ago when we’ve got been tasked with different operations, equivalent to Polar Bear – the Sudanese effort – very near the tip of the Herc, we’re nonetheless a useful asset so I’ve enormous pleasure in 47 Squadron.”

The 47 Squadron

The 47 Squadron was established at Beverley, Yorkshire, in March 1916. The group was initially meant for dwelling protection.

The group grew to become a C-130 Hercules Squadron in 1968. They have been based mostly at RAF Fairford and ultimately moved to RAF Lyneham.

“While the retirement of the Hercules and the laying-up of the 47 Squadron commonplace is a tragic second for many people, I’ve full confidence that the folks of the RAF Air Mobility Pressure will proceed to ship excellence across the globe,” C-130 Wing Commander James Sjoberg mentioned.