Thread: RAAF retiring the C130-H

With UK/NATO strategic planning, I don't think the RAF wants to use any short strips where they get their wheels dusty anymore.

In Australia and SE Asia we're full of dusty short strips.

Thats because the RAF are getting the Atlas, akk A400m, and Australia may well follow suit.

Originally Posted by juddy

Thats because the RAF are getting the Atlas, akk A400m, and Australia may well follow suit.

But the RAAF has already announced that they are getting more J models to replace the decommissioned H models.

RAAF Retiring-C130-H post 3 "It's the last flight of the RAAF’s work horse the C-130H Hercules at Richmond Airforce Base, with all 12 in the Australian fleet being decommissioned to make way for the newer C-130J model."

Originally Posted by juddy

Thats because the RAF are getting the Atlas, akk A400m, and Australia may well follow suit.

That's an awesome looking aircraft Juddy!

A400 M: the versatile airlifter, strategic and tactical capabilities, operational flexibility | Airbus*| Airbus, a leading aircraft manufacturer

Originally Posted by juddy

Thats because the RAF are getting the Atlas, akk A400m, and Australia may well follow suit.

Looks like a J model....

Why would Australia do that?

Originally Posted by Celtoid

Looks like a J model....

Why would Australia do that?

140,000 MTOW vs. 80,000kg ?

C17 = 265,000 kg

Originally Posted by Sleepy

140,000 MTOW vs. 80,000kg ?

C17 = 265,000 kg

Getting the weight in air is one thing, but can they land with it...LOL???

But seriously folks....

Identifying a platform that is good or better than what you currently have is one thing but it doesn't mean anything really.

Have they been identified as a new aircraft type that the ADF are getting? Is there a need for a heavier payload Herc equivilent?

I find it hard to believe that with the complete shortage of money Defence has right now that a new platform would be getting identified for a role that is already covered. I haven't heard anything about a RFT to achieve this outcome being on the street....however, Defence pulled a swifty with the Spartan deal, so who knows.

On the RAF....they have never been happy with their C130Js and feel that Lockheed Martin were deceiptful in their actions when selling the aircraft. I heard that the British Government had a punch-up with the US Government over it....had parked aircraft and refused to fly them etc, etc. I've heard none of those such noises in Australia.

Where has this idea come from?

And considering the less than stellar success of other EADS platforms....not sure the ADF would want to go there with another.

I would suggest it's all just supposition given that those in the know wouldn't be posting about it here.