C-130H(NZ) Hercules

Five Lockheed C-130H Hercules aircraft are in service. The aircraft have received a number of modifications and upgrades with the most recent being a Life Extension Programme (LEP) that started in 2005. This involved an extensive avionics upgrade of the flight deck and structural refurbishment. Upon completion of this programme the aircraft were re-designated the C-130H(NZ).
The C-130H(NZ) provides strategic airlift (inter-theatre) and tactical airlift (intra-theatre) as well as participating in international training exercises. Tasks are flown in support of combat, peace-keeping and humanitarian relief operations. The agility of the C-130H(NZ) means it can be seen operating in the cold of Antarctica one week and the heat of the tropics the next.
Operating Unit: No. 40 Squadron
Five aircraft + six member crew (pilot, co-pilot, air warfare officer, air engineer and two loadmasters).
Fleet History
The RNZAF currently operates five C-130(NZ) Hercules. It took delivery of the first three Hercules (NZ7001 – NZ7003) in 1965. These were the first C-130H production models off the Lockheed production line. A further two C-130H, (NZ7004 – NZ7005) were added in 1969.
Missions flown include:
- Passenger and cargo movement (by airland or airdrop)
- Combat employment and sustainment
- Humanitarian aid and disaster relief
- Aero-medical evacuation
- Antarctica New Zealand support
- Special operations
Specifications
Aircraft | C-130H(NZ) Hercules |
Manufacturer | Lockheed (USA) |
Power plant | 4 x Allison T56-A-15 engines (4,910 shaft horsepower) |
Length | 29.8m (98ft) |
Wingspan | 40.5m (133ft) |
Height | 11.7m (38ft) |
Basic weight | 34,927kg (77,000lb) |
Gross weight | 70,307kg (155,000lb) |
Max payload | 17,250kg (38,000lb) |
Max fuel | 27,808kg (61,308lb) |
Ferry Range Approx | 7,400km (4,000nm) |
Typical Range | Range of approx 4,100km (2,200nm) with payload of 12,700kg (28,000Ib) Note: All performance figures for still air, ISA conditions with standard fuel reserves. |
Cruising speed | 555km/h (300kts) |
Operational altitude | Sea level – 12,802m (42,000ft) |
Crew | Two pilots, one air warfare officer, one flight engineer and two loadmasters |
Passenger Configuration | 92 troops or 64 paratroops |
Medivac Configuration | 70 stretchers |