C-130's (Read 5,435 times)

Thanks for the update. Many of the A models were converted to Gunships and were most recently stationed at Duke Field FL. I used to travel from WPAFB to research C-130 A/C. I once heard that there were very few C-130's identically equipped C-130's. When I did a Configuration Audit of the fleet I found that to be the case.

The best thing I got out of that configuration project was just how versatile the C-130 was.  And the vast number of special modifications.  many mods only affected a few Airframes.

When congress buys the yearly 12 C-130's to keep assembly line open, they opened a can of worms. The AF did not receive the first C-130J models.  This was a major update to airframe. New engines, cockpits, extended length airframe etc. It removed Flight Engineer and Nav. ACC wanted to keep Nav for precision cargo delivery.  But the Reserves received the new A/C. But no one seemed to understand logistics.  With such a new A/C no one bought logistics support...new Tech Orders, spares, training etc.  It also introduced new Aircrew Training requirements.

So the USAF traded the Reserves newer, low hour C-130E models for new J models which were a present from Congress. Then the USAF had to buy Logistics support.  And every year they got an additional 12 A/C. I believe today the Guard/Reserves may have received some of J models. I am not positive.

Lorin 

This old A model also had the radome added. If I remember right many of original A models didn't have radar until later mods.

And are those JATO bottles on rear?  I remember seeing a couple JATO Assisted take-offs during Air Shows. Sorry, I looked again and those aren't JATO bottles. Are those air deflectors?

Lorin

Great story on the Purple Heart for the Herc Bird.

I flew on a couple of Blind Bat missions at Ubon RTAFB in 68 over Laos and Cambodia.  We had some other Bats shot up but returned to base.  Our Hercs were from Naha AFB Okinawa and went TDY all over SE Asia.  023 may have been a Naha Bird at one time. We had a lot of "00" serial A models.

We TDY shops guys volunteered to fly missions to get combat pay ($30 per month?).  We were AAA spotters and flare loaders.  It was exciting until the AAA started "splodin" close to the aircraft... the evasive maneuvers made you sick fast at 10,000 feet with the doors open and red lights on.

AC would give us a briefing before take off.

If we crashed in the jungle:

1- The first ass you see getting off the airplane will be mine.

2- Always save your last bullet.

3- Cuss like a sailor if the rescue copter won't authenticate you. (that way, they know you're US Military)

4- If capture is eminent, swallow your compass.  It will come to pass later if you manage to escape.

5- Other stuff I soon forgot.

Herc was truly a fine bird, even with 6 inch thick honeycombed aluminum plates on the floor.

Pat P.

more info:

www.sammcgowan.com/flareships.html

www.vspa.com/dn-krach-flarebirds-blindbat-1965.htm

talkingproud.us/Military/Blindbat/Blindbat.html

war-stories.com/ub-mcgowan-blind-bat-1966.htm

Those are the newer C-130J models with newer engines and 6 bladed props. They also have digital displays and most are flown without Nav position. I worked many of the early logistics issues with fielding newer J model. Originally purchased with mandatory 12 new Aircraft per year, by Congressional mandates. They went to Guard/Reserves because USAF could not afford the new cost of ownership for new airframes. As more J models become available USAF traded Low hour E models for the J models and started the process of providing Logistics support.

Anyone remember Senator Sam Nunn? He championed a Congressional mandate to buy at least 12 C-130 per year to keep assembly line operational. Oh yeh, C-13o's built in Marietta GA, Sam's home state. That mandate is still part of Congressional Budget.

C-130J is a dream aircraft for tactical deliveries.

Lorin