C-130 News: IAF’s new Samson Transport Aircraft

[casey]

 

It was recently cleared for publication that the new Samson transport aircraft operated by the Israeli Air Force (IAF) has conducted its first round of paratrooper drill, takeoff from makeshift strips as well as long-haul flight abroad.

The IAF said its new C-130J Super Hercules recently carried teams which parachuted and conducted air dives and freefalls. It was also reported that the aircraft has made a maiden voyage to Romania, Bulgaria and Greece.

The paratrooper drill took place over the Palmachim airbase. Some 30 instructor course cadets jumped from an altitude of 400 meters (over 1300 feet). Paratrooper and Flight Operations Commander, Lt. Colonel Nachmias explained the drill was designed to determine the most suitable missions for the new aircraft. According to the IAF plans, as explained by Lt. Colonel Nachmias, “the C-130J Super Hercules should be able to accommodate some 86 paratroopers at a time. In comparison, the C-130 Hercules can carry 54.”

In recent weeks, the C-130J Super Hercules tested several takeoffs and taxing from makeshift landing strips and rough runways. This feature is among its most important tasks. The tests were used to ascertain the aircraft’s operational ability and the degree to which it can be integrated with ground forces.

As for the reported flight to Eastern Europe, Navigation Department Head Captain Ro’I told the IAF website that “clearing the aircraft for long-haul flights is among the most important priorities for the transportation squadron.”

All flights and tests proved highly successful, affording the teams with a sense of security and self-assuredness ahead of its introduction into operational service in the framework of the IAF. The mission to Europe also gave the crew a chance to become better acquainted with international aviation regulation. In addition, this was a chance to practice landing at unfamiliar airports, flying in cold weather and locating mountain ranges ahead of landing.


IAF officials noted the C-130J Super Hercules is an efficient platform capable of cruising in high altitude. They also noted its engines are fuel efficient. During the long haul, the crew practiced autopilot and maintaining flight course, experience using the various control systems (such as fuel consumption-alert and nearing other aircraft).

Lockheed Martin’s C-130J Super Hercules, aka ’Samson’ is wider and longer than the veteran C-130 Hercules, which has been serving the IAF for decades now. The Samson is designed to accommodate 92 paratroopers complete with their gear. Alternatively, it can carry four field vehicles or 128 passengers. The aircraft is capable of carrying heavy and long cargo.The aircraft already features Israeli-developed systems, and additional ones will be integrated further in the future.

The ’Samson’ is dubbed “the IAF’s far-reaching arm”. Its mission has been defined as follows: ’tactical transport aircraft for military forces and cargo over short and long ranges carrying numerous and units with high precision’.

View original article: http://i-hls.com/2015/02/iafs-new-sa...port-aircraft/

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[AMPTestFE]

"Lockheed Martin’s C-130J Super Hercules, aka ’Samson’ is wider and longer than the veteran C-130 Hercules, which has been serving the IAF for decades now."

So...how is it wider???