Metalbasher

Yes they worked pretty good as flashlights...I know there were many nights I went out to an aircraft and needed a light (forgot mine or mine went dead etc) and pulled one of these out to use. I know it aggravated a few crew chiefs because they had to go back and re-secure it in place with the copper wire.

Interesting thought process...

Congress set to cut C-130 AMP funds, OSD postpones key decision.

August 10, 2009—One of the three C-130 avionics modernization program test aircraft sporting its new digital cockpit dropped by Hickam AFB, Hawaii, last week on a Pacific region tour designed to provide an evaluation of its integrated systems as it flew across international datelines. Testing with the third AMP-Herk began ahead of schedule this spring, and USAF already had given Boeing a low rate initial production contract last fall for the first two LRIP AMP kits. However, there is some question at this point whether Congress will continue to fund the C-130 AMP, in which USAF planned to upgrade about 221 Hercules (the three test aircraft and 218 others currently in H2, H2.5, and H3 configurations).

The current LRIP plan called Boeing to provide 26 production kits and install them on 11 aircraft, with the remainder installed by Air Force depot technicians and some by other as-yet-determined companies.

However, both defense appropriators and authorizers zeroed the C-130 AMP dollars in the 2010 defense budget request, despite expressing some support for the program.

According to the House and Senate Armed Services Committees, the Air Force will not be able to execute 2008 and 2009 funding until sometime this summer, obviating the need for any more funding until 2011. Both committees, and the House Appropriations Committee, removed $209.5 million for the C-130 AMP in the 2010 defense budget request.

All three committees cite the program's one-year delay in starting production as proof it doesn't need the 2010 funding.

However, according to defense analyst Loren Thompson, the lawmakers are making decisions based on outdated information about "problems that don't actually exist."

And yet, OSD may be reconsidering its support for the program, having recently delayed the Milestone C decision that would have permitted continued production.

by Staff Sgt. J.G. Buzanowski

U.S. Air Forces Central combat camera team

8/10/2009 - BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan (AFNS) -- A team of Bagram Airfield Airmen airdropped an M198 artillery piece to an Army unit in a remote Eastern-part of Afghanistan Aug. 8.

New York, Ohio and Missouri Air Guard members joined with reservists and active-duty Airmen to form the total-force aircrew that loaded and delivered the 155 mm Howitzer that weighed more than 10 tons onto a C-130 Hercules from the Missouri Air National Guard.

"Five good chutes, that's all we could ask for," said Senior Master Sgt. Kevin Gifford, a joint airdrop inspector from the New York ANG. "It means the Army loaders did their job right and we did our job right and everything went according to plan."

Sergeant Gifford was onboard the C-130 to ensure the enormous cargo pallet would exit the aircraft properly and safely. He and the loadmasters -- Missouri Air National Guard members Staff Sgt. Ed Huff and Master Sgt. Dennis Mowry -- loaded the Howitzer from one location and airdropped it to the crew waiting below.

"Anything the guys on the ground need to do their job we get to them - beans, bullets and sometimes artillery pieces," said Sergeant Mowry, a 34-year Air Force veteran. "This was just our way of helping out in the war. Now that the Soldiers have that Howitzer, they have something bigger to shoot back with."

The crew of the 36-foot long cannon will have the ability to send high-explosive shells at insurgents threatening the peace and security of the Paktika Province.

Airlift is an essential part of operations in Afghanistan, where the mountainous region can delay or even prevent delivery convoys, said Lt. Col. Dave Koltermann, the 774th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron commander.

"Airlift gives us the ability to get cargo anywhere on the planet," said Colonel Koltermann, a New York Air National Guard member. "It gets troops off the roads and rather than risking a convoy, we can fly cargo anywhere it needs to go. This was a joint effort by the Army and Air Force with total force assets all working seamlessly to help the troops on the ground."

Crew Chief type or what...I was there from 90-94 working Sheet Metal and selling cars at Kelly & Kelly

Scott

So all of them (88-1301 thru 88-1308) are going to Whiskeys? Are they then moving to Cannon or what...don't think the DARB has a Whiskey mission. I know they converted from a training mission to an operational.

The phenolic has most likely been replaced with a plastic block. You can always take the blocks you have on the aircraft to the local Metals Tech Shop for a local manufacture job. They have usually have the solid stock plastic on hand and can mill it out as per sample or from scratch if you know the tubing dimensions.

Or these guys...Tepper Aviation located at Crestview in FL.

I was down there the other day and saw two white commercial C-130s in a hangar, one tail # was N3867X...didn't get the to the other. I assume covert actions...any ideas?

A C-130 Hercules crew rapidly and correctly analyzed a developing situation, applied emergency procedures and recovered an aircraft, its passengers and crew without incident after encountering unforeseen wind shear May 20 in Southwest Asia.

The 737th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron C-130 and its crew, hailing from Dyess Air Force Base, Texas, was carrying 45 Soldiers when it was suddenly hit by violent winds while on approach to Al Asad Air Base in Iraq.

"We were on our initial approach into Al Asad," said Capt. Andrew Gillis, a 737th EAS C-130 aircraft commander and native of San Jose, Calif. "We were the third aircraft to go in. No one else reported any issues. In the middle of our approach, it started getting real rocky, and our air speed indicator ended up bouncing up and down plus or minus 20 knots."

Falling back on countless hours of training and simulations, Captain Gillis advanced the throttles to max power to break off the descent and go around again. There was only one problem.

"We had absolutely max power from the airplane," Captain Gillis said. "There's a specific escape maneuver, and we were in the process of doing that maneuver, but the airplane was still sinking."

Tech. Sgt. Joe Holloway, the aircraft's flight engineer and a son of Pensacola, Fla., said even the crew on the ground could tell the aircraft was in a difficult situation.

"The controller even asked, 'Confirm you're going to climb,'" he said. "So even he knew."

Finally, after sinking through the wind shear for almost seven miles, the C-130 began to climb again.

"We didn't climb away until we reached the approach end of the runway," Captain Gillis said. "So we had to be in it for seven miles, about two minutes. It started at 1,800 feet above the ground, and we recovered at 1,000 feet."

With the winds making a safe landing impossible, the crew headed for home, enduring another 30 minutes of intense turbulence. 1st Lt. Jeff Stanek, the aircraft's navigator, said the wind shear and turbulence were caused by a massive storm front hundreds of miles away.

"There was a huge storm front the size of California that moved over Turkey," said the native of Marlboro, Md. "And it moved faster than anticipated. We were clear of the actual storm, but the gust front in front of the storm is what we hit."

Lt. Col. Buff Burkel, the 737th EAS commander, said the C-130 crew performed just as they were trained to and by doing so safely recovered their aircraft, their passengers and themselves.

"It's definitely what I expect from my Desert Foxes," she said. "Flying is a profession that is inherently dangerous. We spend a lot of training time teaching and practicing emergency procedures that may occur in the flight environment. Training, discipline, professionalism and teamwork are the standards. Captain Gillis and his crew met them that night."

me too please

[email protected]

Scott

From the Robins Museum of Aviation webpage...the last acft modified is still in the modified configuration on display behind the museum.

Lockheed YMC-130H

In 1981 it was one of three C-130H aircraft that were specially modified for use in a possible rescue attempt of the Americans held hostage in Iran in 1981. Code named "Credible Sport", the stock C-130H aircraft had highly modified flight control, flap system and airframe components allowed the installation of various rocket systems for short take off and landing (STOL) capabilities unique to the rescue operation. Although never actually used, one of the aircraft was destroyed during testing and second was demodified and returned to service and the third, this one on display, was retired to the Museum in 1987.

I don't know anything about 946, but do know that 539 was "Franken-Herk" as they say. Worked it at Pope and Yokota. It was rumored to have had major structural damage and was peice-milled back together with bits and pieces of 3-4 different acft that were donors for one reason or another. Ran across a few things weren't necessarily the way they should have been, especially in comparison to other acft, structurally anyway.

Scott

News story said that the SEALS jumped into the ocean in order to meet up w/ the boat so one could assume it was via C-130.

Anyone happen to know where Tony Holmes is now...he was the FE on 945 that crashed at Bragg...one of the two that survived. Last I saw him, he was the club master at arms at Yokota in 94-95

U.S. Air Forces in Europe Public Affairs

3/27/2009 - RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany (AFNS) -- American and Polish airmen delivered the first of five refurbished C-130E Hercules military transport planes and spare parts March 24 to the Polish air force at Powidz Air Base, Poland.

"It's a great day for them to celebrate the arrival of the Hercules. It's vital to them being able to -- own their own -- organically pick up and go," said Air Force Maj. Gen. William A. Chambers, the U.S. Air Forces in Europe director of air and space operations.

"They're one of our allies who are very willing to go," he said. "Whether it is Afghanistan or Iraq, they've been alongside the Americans in both fights. The 'Herc' is a great symbol of the American-Polish partnership, and we're grateful to be alongside them."

It was a sentiment echoed by Polish Brig. Gen. Tadeusz Mikutel, the 33rd Air Base commander.

"This is a milestone for our air defense. The plane is able to carry 17 tons of equipment or 90 equipped soldiers. That is why the plane will leave (our) CASA planes behind," General Mikutel said.

Also on hand for the celebration were Stanislaw Komorowski, Poland's vice minister of defense; Polish Lt. Gen. Andrzej Blasik, commander of the Polish air force; Pamela Quanrud, the deputy chief of mission for the American Embassy in Warsaw; and several Polish military and local government authorities.

The new plane expands the Polish air force's ability to transport troops and equipment, while providing support for evacuation and humanitarian operations. Its presence in the Polish fleet will also increase their interoperability with other air forces because the C-130 is used by several nations around the world, to include NATO allies.

The C-130 received an escort to Powidz AB by F-16s from the Polish air force when it neared its final destination, and performed two flyovers of the gathered crowd to showcase the newest addition to the Polish inventory. Upon landing, both the American and Polish crews were recognized for the achievement.

"I think we can accomplish a lot of missions to deliver cargo to our troops in Afghanistan and Iraq," said Polish Sgt. Andrzej Kozera, a C-130 flight engineer.

The Reserve aircrew from Hill Air Force Base, Utah, and an active-duty loadmaster from Edwards AFB, Calif., picked the plane up in Waco, Texas, with their Polish counterparts after its refurbishment and flew it across the Atlantic, stopping at Ramstein AB. It made its final leg to Powidz AB, where it will become part of the 14th Lift Squadron.

The entire project, including total refurbishment of five aircraft, support equipment, supplies, training and contracted logistics support, is valued at $120 million. The donation is a result of an American pledge to provide Poland with such a capability, and is fully funded through bilateral military assistance grant money.

The delivery of the five modernized and upgraded aircraft is scheduled to be complete in the summer of 2010.

what do you mean "dumb bird" with a big bird paint scheme?

What is the part # for those small access panels at the end outboard of the belly band?

wonder how much their asking for it?

Sonny

Do you know the actual work control document #s you referenced.

"That is part of the PDM work spec. The actual work cards have references and 202 instructions."

I checked the work spec 1B7B and it doesn't really provide any guidance for these drain holes. I think I'm going to have to look up the panels in the IPB and then pull a print for them from JETMIX and go from there. But a TCTO or a specific work control document/work spec card or a 202 or 202 reference from previous aircraft would greatly help out. I can backtrack a previous 202 from the office.

Thanks

Scott

I'm trying to locate a TCTO # for installing drain holes in the two small rectangular access panels outboard of the belly band. The panels are maybe 5" x 7" and cover a 1" elbow for urinal drain line.

I've checked a few acft here at WR and have discovered some acft have the drain holes and some do not. I'm told the holes resulted from a TCTO, but no one seems to recall the #. Not even sure of the time frame for the TCTO...if I had time frame, engineers could search the data base a little easier.

Any help is greatly appreciated.

Thanks

Scott

Nate

I actually live in Bonaire, very close to Winn Dixie. We bought there in Udon by the airport in 2002. Didn't really go there to buy but it came up as a way to avoid paying for a hotel for 30 days at a whack. Wife's family all lived out in the "jungle" about 75 klicks out of town. We actually ended up buying the house during a promotional offer in that subdivision with the plan that her younger sister would live there and take care of the house, thus avoiding house squatters from moving in when we weren't home. Worked out for the better as sister's boyfriend's brother was general construction contractor that did all kinds of upgrades/modifications for me at cost. I;m not retired yet but we intended on using it as a summer home/winter home deal, however that was just a dream that was jsut busted...going through divorce now and will most likely never see that house again.

What can you do, right?

Scott

Fed Std color # should be 17925 for the white and 16473 for the grey. Not sure abou the prop tips as we always painted 4" black strips on our AF props.

I did an MRT to Kota Kinabalu Malaysia (Located on the Northern Tip of the Island of Borneo) to replaced an elevator and do a hard landing inspection. Ended up being there 3 1/2 weeks in Dec over xmas. The last week was spent doing nothing as we were waiting on FCF crew and a lox cart to come in. Basking in the white sand beaches, 90 degree ocean water, 95 degree air temps, snorkeling on an uninhabitated island and then RTB'd about 5 PM on New Year's eve...enough time to shower and head out to bring in the New Year.

Originally Posted by cobra935o

I have been to all the stops mentioned, just not at the same time as you. My wife just happens to be from Thailand, a little city most Vietnam vets refer to as Udorn, which I have only called Udon, they must have changed the name of that place too over the years!

Nathan

My wife is from there as well, I actually have a house there now, right at the air port. It is called Udornthani, but everyone including the locals refer to it as Udon, not to be confused with Ubon which is further east.

Scott

Its my understanding two aircraft rec'd this mod...one was destroyed and the second is still modified and on display at the Robins Museum.

This acft was at Yokota at least while I was there...90-94. I know why there it was the WG/CC's acft. I remember painting the base newspaper logo "Fuji Flyer" on the side of the acft. Also at the same time, we (USAF) were converting the tail markings from the traditional 5 digit tail #'s to a two-letter wing designator, in this case, YJ was placed on the tail. This acft also did a christmas run to Palua dropping gifts etc.

I know I sent Casey some pix of nose art in the past...one of them was the side of the acft with the "Fuji Flyer" on the side.

Scott