RAAF Airlift Cababilites - Defense White Paper

[Gerard M]

With the release of the Defense White Paper today, in relation to our airlift capability, we will be acquiring 2more C-130J Hercules along with an extra 10 light tactical fixed wing aircraft whcih will be replacing the Caribou.

These new aircraft will complement the current air transport fleet of four C-17 and 12 C-130J aircraft. The older C-130H aircraft will be retired. The Government will ensure that these new light tactical fixed-wing aircraft will have significantly greater range, speed and payload than the retiring Caribou transports.

If the H models are going to be retired, how many hercs will that leave us with? And over what time period would we expect to see them retired?

The paper also states that the KC-30 is meant to be entering service in 2010 which will also increase our ability to transport troops.

[Mike W]

Any tips on the Caribou replacement?

[Nigel C]

There was a rather lengthy discussion about this very topic a short time ago. Here is the link: http://yssyforum.net/board/showthrea...ht=White+Paper

[Gerard M]

Another question re the hercs, does anyone know whether we would be getting them second hand or new? If second hand..im guessing from the US is more than likely?

[damien b]

If the order is placed soon they can get brand new J models, if they wait a few years - well that would depend if Lockheed is still producing them. My bet would be brand new J's as we tend to work them pretty hard and not many operators of the J would be selling them in the near future.

As for how many Hercs - 14 once all the H's are retired (Not sure when that is planned for, 2 have been 'retired' so far)

[Gerard M]

Are the two that are "retired" the ones without engines and the red noses infront of the paint hanger? If thats the case there was another one further down the flightline with another red nose?

I thought they were just awaiting painting?