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BULGARIAN MILITARY
Ankara is once again strengthening Turkey’s air force, this time by eyeing military transport aircraft. Reports from various sources, ranging from England to the Balkans, suggest that Ankara plans to acquire 12 out of the 14 retired British C-130J Hercules, which were long-serving members of the RAF fleet. However, this information has yet to be officially confirmed.
In 2023, London is set to retire 14 planes, and shortly after this announcement, rumors surfaced about a potential buyer. These rumors gained traction about a month ago, although neither London nor Lockheed Martin would reveal the client’s identity, respecting the prospective operator’s preference for confidentiality. Turkey isn’t alone in its interest; Greece has also been part of the discussions for acquiring these aircraft.
This sale includes one ‘short’ C-130J [C5 in the UK] and 13 ‘stretched’ C-130J-30 [C4] airframes, marking the second batch of surplus Hercules that the Ministry of Defense has sold in recent years. Previously, in 2015, eight C5 aircraft were retired and subsequently purchased by Bangladesh [five], Bahrain [two], and the US Navy [one].
The British Royal Air Force [RAF] has operated the C-130J/C-130J-30 Hercules aircraft since the late 1990s. The RAF initially acquired these aircraft to replace its aging fleet of C-130K models, aiming to enhance its tactical airlift capabilities.
The RAF’s C-130J fleet has been instrumental in various military operations, humanitarian missions, and disaster relief efforts. One of the most notable deployments was during the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan, where the C-130J provided critical airlift support, transporting troops, equipment, and supplies to and from combat zones. The aircraft’s ability to operate from short and unprepared airstrips made it invaluable in these theaters of operation.
In addition to its role in combat zones, the C-130J has been deployed for numerous humanitarian missions. For instance, the aircraft played a significant role in delivering aid during natural disasters such as the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami and the 2010 Haiti earthquake. Its versatility and reliability have made it a key asset in the RAF’s efforts to provide rapid response in crisis situations.
The C-130J has been used for various training exercises and joint operations with allied nations. These exercises help maintain the readiness and interoperability of the RAF and its partners, ensuring they can effectively collaborate during multinational missions. The aircraft’s advanced systems and capabilities have made it a valuable platform for these training activities.
The C-130J Hercules is a tactical airlift aircraft developed by Lockheed Martin. It is an advanced version of the legacy C-130 Hercules, designed to perform a wide range of missions, including troop transport, medical evacuation, and cargo airlift. The C-130J features significant improvements in performance, avionics, and operational capabilities compared to its predecessors.
The dimensions of the C-130J Hercules are as follows: it has a wingspan of approximately 132 feet 7 inches [40.4 meters], a length of about 97 feet 9 inches [29.8 meters], and a height of around 38 feet 10 inches [11.9 meters]. The aircraft’s cargo hold is 41 feet long [12.5 meters], 9 feet high [2.7 meters], and 10 feet 3 inches wide [3.1 meters].
The C-130J is powered by four Rolls-Royce AE 2100D3 turboprop engines, each producing 4,637 shaft horsepower. These engines are paired with Dowty R391 six-bladed composite propellers, which contribute to the aircraft’s improved fuel efficiency and performance. The propulsion system allows the C-130J to achieve a maximum speed of 417 miles per hour [671 kilometers per hour].
Technical characteristics of the C-130J include an advanced two-pilot flight deck with digital avionics, a heads-up display [HUD] for both pilots and a fully integrated navigation system. The aircraft is equipped with a modern glass cockpit, which enhances situational awareness and reduces pilot workload. Additionally, the C-130J features an enhanced cargo handling system, allowing for rapid loading and unloading of cargo.
The C-130J Hercules employs various types of control systems, including fly-by-wire flight controls, which replace traditional mechanical linkages with electronic interfaces. This system improves the aircraft’s handling characteristics and reduces weight. The aircraft also features an autopilot system that assists with navigation and flight management, further reducing pilot workload.
The avionics suite of the C-130J includes advanced communication, navigation, and surveillance systems. Key components include the AN/APN-241 low-power color weather and navigation radar, the AN/ARC-210 VHF/UHF secure voice communication system, and the AN/ARN-147 VOR/ILS receiver. The aircraft is also equipped with a Tactical Air Navigation [TACAN] system and a Global Positioning System [GPS] for precise navigation.
The operational range of the C-130J varies depending on the mission profile and payload. With a maximum fuel load, the aircraft can achieve a range of approximately 2,071 nautical miles [3,835 kilometers] without refueling. The C-130J is also capable of aerial refueling, which extends its operational range significantly, allowing for long-duration missions.
The payload capacity of the C-130J Hercules is one of its standout features. The aircraft can carry up to 42,000 pounds [19,050 kilograms] of cargo, including vehicles, pallets, and personnel. It can accommodate up to 92 passengers or 64 paratroopers in its troop transport configuration. The versatile cargo hold can also be configured for medical evacuation, with space for up to 74 liters and medical attendants.
While the primary role of the C-130J is not as a combat aircraft, it can be equipped with various types of defensive and offensive systems. Defensive systems include radar warning receivers, missile warning systems, and countermeasure dispensers for chaff and flares. In some configurations, the C-130J can be armed with side-mounted machine guns or other weapons for self-defense and close air support missions.