Hercules C130J Makes Short Stop In Brunei
By Izam S. Ya'akub

Bandar Seri Begawan - The newest version of the Hercules, the C-1303, made a short stop at the Sultanate and would be leaving today on its return leg of a round-the-world tour, which began on February 1 from Kessler Airbase, Mississippi.

The aircraft and its 15-man crew led by Col. Michael Underkofler, the Commander of the 403rd Operations Group, recently took part in the February 9-13 Aero Indian International Airshow. It is in the country after interest shown in the capabilities of the C-130 aircraft.

Col. Underkofler said the short visit to Brunei provided the opportunity to showcase the aircraft as one the finest in rapid, global mobilisation and also to enhance the relationship between Brunei and the US.

Very few aircrafts have earned the description "legendary". However, the C-130, named "Hercules" from the mythical Greek hero renowned for his great strength, has become a true, real-world legend.

More than 2,200 C130s have been built, and they are flown by more than 60 nations worldwide, in more than 70 variations.

The C-130J is the latest in a line of multi-talented aircraft that has had a long standing tradition of being successfully involved in a numerous variety of missions.

In an interview with the Bulletin yesterday, Lt. Col. Mike Odor the 403c1 Wing public affairs officer, said that the plane flies faster and higher than its predecessors.

Compared to the earlier production C-130E, the new aircraft's maximum speed is up 21 per cent and ascends at a faster rate.

Cruising altitude is 40 per cent higher while the range is 40 per cent longer. With new engines and new propellers, the "J" can reach 28,000 feet in 14 minutes. Moreover, for tricky low altitude maneuvers, the new avionics and dual head up displays make it easier and safer to operate.

More than just a glorified transport aircraft, the Hercules has the capabilities to carry troops, vehicles and armaments into battle; drop paratroopers and supplies from the sky; serve as airborne and ground re-fuelers; provide emergency evacuation and humanitarian relief; and conduct airborne early warning and maritime surveillance. More over the aircraft has the ability to be reconfigured to carry out the tasks required in a relatively short time frame.

Recently, the first few aircrafs in Aceh to provide humanitarian relief and support were Hercules C-130s with its ability to land in the most difficult conditions proving to be invaluable in efforts to provide the worse hit disaster areas with aid.

In addition to providing command and staff supervision to assign squadrons and flights, which support tactical airlift missions, the 403rd Wing is also engaged in the organising, training- and performing all hurricane weather reconnaissance in support of the Department of Commerce in the US. -- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin

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