Türkiye to acquire 12 ex-RAF C130J Super Hercules aircraft
Royal Air Force (RAF) C-130J aircraft. (Crown Copyright)
Türkiye is reportedly set to purchase 12 Super Hercules C-130J-30 transport aircraft previously operated by the Royal Air Force (RAF), bolstering its tactical airlift capabilities.
Deal overview, aircraft details
The deal involves 12 of the 15 Super Hercules aircraft that have been in storage at Cambridge, U.K., since their retirement in June 2022.
The aircraft includes the stretched fuselage C-130J-30 model, known as Hercules C4 in RAF designation, which provides greater transport capacity and operational flexibility because of its aerial refueling capacity.
The Super Hercules models, built by Lockheed Martin, are widely used for military transport, humanitarian aid, and medical evacuation missions. The aircraft offers advanced avionics, enhanced flight performance, and lower operational costs compared to earlier models.
Key specifications of the C-130J-30:
- Length: 39.7 meters
- Payload capacity: Up to 27,216 kilograms
- Maximum range: Approximately 5,200 kilometers
General characteristics of C-130J Super Hercules
| Service ceiling: 28,000 ft (8,500 m) with a 42,000 lb (19,051 kg) payload | Capacity: 92 passengers or 64 airborne troops or 6 463L pallets or 72 litter patients |
| Wing area: 1,745 sq ft (162.1 m2) | Height: 38 ft 10 in (11.84 m) |
| Empty weight: 75,562 lb (34,274 kg) | Wingspan: 132 ft 7 in (40.41 m) |
| Max takeoff weight: 155,000 lb (70,307 kg) | Length: 97 ft 9 in (29.79 m) |
| Power plant: 4 × Rolls-Royce AE 2100D3 turboprop engines, 4,637 shp (3,458 kW) each | Payload main: 42,000 lb (19,051 kg) |
| Cruise speed: 348 km (400 mph, 644 km/h) | Cargo bay height: 9 ft (2.74 m) |
| Maximum speed: 362 km (417 mph, 670 km/h)—Mach 0.59 at 22,000 ft (6,706 m) altitude | Cargo bay width: 10 ft (3.05 m) |
| Maximum speed: 362 km (417 mph, 670 km/h) — Mach 0.59 at 22,000 ft (6,706 m) altitude | Cargo bay length: 41 ft (12.50 m) |
| Range: 1,800 nmi (2,100 mi, 3,300 km) at max normal payload (34,000 lb (15,422 kg)) | Absolute ceiling: 40,386 ft (12,310 m) |
| Service ceiling: 28,000 ft (8,500 m) with 42,000 lb (19,051 kg) payload |
Compatibility with Türkiye’s transport fleet
The Turkish Air Force (TurAF) currently operates C-130B and C-130E models, acquiring the C-130J-30, is a logical choice. Familiarity with the platform’s maintenance and logistics infrastructure will streamline integration into Türkiye’s fleet.
The acquisition raises questions about the future of the 222 Filo’s current Hercules fleet, which has been undergoing upgrades under the locally developed ERCIYES modernization program.
At least one airframe from the existing fleet will likely be repurposed for spare parts instead of receiving a scheduled upgrade.
Tactical and strategic impact
The addition of these newer aircraft will:
- Enhance Türkiye’s tactical airlift capacity.
- Reduce reliance on older platforms with higher maintenance costs.
- Complement Türkiye’s existing Airbus A400M fleet, easing its operational burden.
