The C-130 Hercules is one of the longest-running aircraft manufacturing programmes in history. Since 1956, more than 40 of its variants have enhanced the tactical airlift capability of over 50 nations globally. The C-130J Super Hercules is the latest in the series and the only model now in production.

When a relations hip of longstanding mistrust between nations is transformed into a special bond of warmth and cooperation, some visible signs of progress help prove the point. The Indo-US civil nuclear agreement was expected to be the leitmotif of the post-Cold War friendship between these two great countries, but efforts to deliver on the deal seem to have run into rough weather. However, the other key element of the new understanding—resumption of US sales of arms and other high-end military equipment to India—is progressing smoothly. And the induction of the Lockheed Martin C-130J Super Hercules medium-transport aircraft into the Indian Air Force (IAF) is the most special point on the list till date.

Pleased as Punch

In a recent media interaction, the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal N.A.K. Browne, was unusually effusive in his comments on the C-130J. He made it clear that the IAF was impressed with the performance and deliveries of the aircraft ahead of schedule, in marked contrast with the service’s experience with other major inductions. As if to underline his remarks, the long-running saga of the indigenous light combat aircraft (LCA) experienced yet another delay as its initial operational clearance was pushed back by a year. And even the multi-role transport aircraft (MTA), a prestigious joint-venture project with Russia, appears to have run into some trouble. Understandably, therefore, the IAF is in the process of placing orders for another six C-130J aircraft and the total acquisition in due course may even go up to 24.

The performance of the C-130J in providing disaster relief to the victims of September 2011 earthquake in Sikkim’s remote mountainous regions has also been very satisfying. Within the first couple of days, the IAF airlifted 189 tonnes of equipment and relief material and 735 personnel, also evacuating 36 casualties. Addressing the Air Force Commanders’ Conference in October, the IAF chief said that the service was currently in an unprecedented phase of modernisation and capability enhancement. “The transformational change can be witnessed in all facets of capabilitybuilding that include not only combat platforms, but also induction of force multipliers and air mobility platforms to provide strategic reach and operational flexibility.” Air mobility—that’s what the C-130J fleet greatly boosts.

In early 2008, it was announced that the Indian Government had signed an agreement with the US Government for the procurement of six C-130J aircraft for the IAF. The estimated value of the aircraft along with associated ground support equipment, ground handling equipment and role equipment was approximately $962 million ( Rs. 4,810 crore). The IAF received its first C-130J in February this year and the sixth and the last aircraft is expected in November. They are part of the newlyraised 77 Squadron “Veiled Vipers” based at Air Force Station Hindon, near Delhi. The IAF also plans to expand and modernise two important forward bases in the North—Kargil and Nyoma. Once their runways are suitably extended, both will be able to operate the C-130J with full payload, which is critical to high-altitude logistics operations currently undertaken by Antonov An-32. The agreement for the second batch of six C-130J is likely to be signed by January 2012. The new flight will be based at Charbatia in Orissa, and will operate across eastern India as well as the Andaman and Nicobar islands.

Worldwide Winner

The C-130 Hercules is one of the longest-running aircraft manufacturing programmes in history. Since 1956, more than 40 of its variants have enhanced the tactical airlift capability of over 50 nations globally. The C-130J Super Hercules is the latest in the series and the only one now in production. This aircraft features vastly improved performance and lower operating costs, especially remarkable in hot and/or high altitude operations, where it delivers 40 per cent higher payload/range than the earlier versions. Operations in Afghanistan and Iraq indicate that in such extreme conditions just one C-130J may be able to do as much as three C-130H aircraft.

The C-130J is powered by four Rolls-Royce AE 2100D3 engines, each rated at 4,591 shaft horsepower, driving sixblade Dowty R-391 propeller systems made of composite materials. The AE 2100D3 is a lightweight turboprop engine with modular design and easily accessible components which reduces the maintenance costs. It is the first engine to use dual full authority digital engine control (FADEC) for both engine and propeller. It is claimed that overall the engine generates 29 per cent more thrust, while increasing fuel efficiency by 15 per cent, thus largely accounting for the C-130J’s superior performance. Compared to the earlier C-130E model, its maximum speed is 21 per cent higher, climb-to-altitude time is down by 50 per cent, cruising altitude is 40 per cent higher, and range is 40 per cent greater. It has significantly better short-field capability with 41 per cent decrease in maximum effort take-off run. Its maximum cruise speed is 355 knots, maximum take-off weight 75,390 kg, and it can carry a maximum payload of 21,770 kg.

The C-130J automates many functions, thus needing a crew of just two pilots and a loadmaster for most missions instead of the standard four. Its sophisticated avionics bring more advanced capabilities to the night-vision compatible “glass cockpit” and head-up display (HUD). A pair of mission computers and two backup bus interface units provide dual redundancy for critical systems. Just as importantly, they feature integrated diagnostics to assist with maintenance and help reduce long-term ownership costs.