First testflight upgraded RNLAF C-130 Hercules

[Webmaster]

RNLAF News Story, published in Dutch, translated by Webmaster

First testflight upgraded C-130 Hercules

3 July 2009, 10.31 hrs

Yesterday a succesfull test flight was made in England with the first of the two C-130 Hercules transport aircraft which are being upgraded for the Royal Netherlands Air Force. The Hercules will be handed over to the air force in the short term.

The Ministry of Defence has acquired the 2 aircraft for the participation in intensive missions for peace. This bring the total number of Dutch C-130s to 4. Eindhoven Airbase will be the homebase for the aircraft.

The test flight was initially planned for last week. The first flight with the second C-130 will take place later in this year. The Hercules fly from the facilities of Marchall Aerospace in Cambridge, which executes the modifications to both aircraft for aircraft manufacturer Lockheed.

Digital
The cockpit of the aircraft is heavily modernized. All analogue displays are replaced by digital ones, fitted with the latest technology. The modifications reduce pilot workload, improve situational awareness as well as improve safety. Director Martin Broadhurst of Marshall Aerospace: "This is one of the most comprehensive and complex orders we ever executed."

The modernization was highly necessary as the previous owner, the American Navy, flew the aircraft for the last time in 1991. After having been disassembled in the beginning of 2006, the aircraft were transport by land and sea to the plant in Cambridge.

The aircraft will be handed over the Royal Netherlands Air Force after the test programme in Cambridge is completed. Dutch pilots will then gain experience on the modified Hercules with various test flights.

Source: http://www.defensie.nl/luchtmacht/actueel/nieuws/2009/07/03/46133216/Eerste_testvlucht_opgewaardeerde_C_130_Hercules