RAAF Hercules Fleet Reaches 170,000 Flight Hours
The Royal Australian Air Force’s 37 Squadron has achieved a major milestone as its C-130J Hercules fleet surpassed 170,000 flying hours. These aircraft have long formed the backbone of the squadron’s tactical airlift operations, supporting missions both in Australia and overseas.
The Hercules has played a vital role in transporting personnel, equipment, and aid wherever required. Introduced in 1999, the C-130J model significantly enhanced the RAAF’s airlift capabilities with greater range, payload capacity, and advanced avionics systems.
“It was great to see that the milestone ticked over during a sortie very typical of C-130J operations – a resupply mission to Port Moresby in support of Olgeta Warrior,” said Flight Lieutenant David Campbell, who piloted the aircraft on its 170,000th flight hour.
He added that the event was also a chance to reflect on the tremendous effort from maintenance, logistics, and operations teams whose dedication has kept the fleet flying for decades.
The Hercules fleet is expected to remain in service into the 2030s, after which a new generation of C-130 aircraft will take over under Project AIR 7404.
Author’s Summary
RAAF’s C-130J Hercules fleet surpasses 170,000 flight hours, marking decades of reliable airlift service supported by skilled crews and ongoing modernization plans.