Newsletters
Türkiye is reportedly set to purchase 12 Super Hercules C-130J-30 transport aircraft previously operated by the Royal Air Force (RAF), bolstering its tactical airlift capabilities.
2 min read
The deal involves 12 of the 15 Super Hercules aircraft that have been in storage at Cambridge, U.K., since their retirement in June 2022.
The aircraft includes the stretched fuselage C-130J-30 model, known as Hercules C4 in RAF designation, which provides greater transport capacity and operational flexibility because of its aerial refueling capacity.
The Super Hercules models, built by Lockheed Martin, are widely used for military transport, humanitarian aid, and medical evacuation missions. The aircraft offers advanced avionics, enhanced flight performance, and lower operational costs compared to earlier models.
Key specifications of the C-130J-30:
Service ceiling: 28,000ft (8,500m) with a 42,000lb (19,051kg) payload
Capacity: 92 passengers or 64 airborne troops or 6 463L pallets or 72 litter patients
Wing area: 1,745sqft (162.1m2)
Height: 38ft 10in (11.84m)
Empty weight: 75,562lb (34,274kg)
Wingspan: 132ft 7in (40.41m)
Max takeoff weight: 155,000lb (70,307kg)
Length: 97ft 9in (29.79m)
Power plant: 4 × Rolls-Royce AE 2100D3 turboprop engines, 4,637shp (3,458kW) each
Payload main: 42,000lb (19,051kg)
Cruise speed: 348km (400mph, 644km/h)
Cargo bay height: 9ft (2.74m)
Maximum speed: 362km (417mph, 670km/h)—Mach 0.59 at 22,000ft (6,706m) altitude
Cargo bay width: 10ft (3.05m)
Maximum speed: 362km (417mph, 670km/h) — Mach 0.59 at 22,000ft (6,706m) altitude
Cargo bay length: 41ft (12.50m)
Range: 1,800nmi (2,100mi, 3,300km) at max normal payload (34,000lb (15,422kg))
Absolute ceiling: 40,386ft (12,310m)
Service ceiling: 28,000ft (8,500m) with 42,000lb (19,051kg) payload
The Turkish Air Force (TurAF) currently operates C-130B and C-130E models, acquiring the C-130J-30, is a logical choice. Familiarity with the platform's maintenance and logistics infrastructure will streamline integration into Türkiye's fleet.
The acquisition raises questions about the future of the 222 Filo's current Hercules fleet, which has been undergoing upgrades under the locally developed ERCIYES modernization program.
At least one airframe from the existing fleet will likely be repurposed for spare parts instead of receiving a scheduled upgrade.
The addition of these newer aircraft will:
4 min read
