RAAF Hercules fleet hits 170,000 flight hour milestone

RAAF Hercules Fleet Surpasses 170,000 Flight Hours

The Royal Australian Air Force’s (RAAF) 37 Squadron has achieved a major milestone as its C-130J Hercules fleet logged over 170,000 flying hours. The Hercules aircraft have been essential in carrying out tactical airlift missions across Australia and key operations overseas, enabling the delivery of personnel, equipment, and support wherever required.

Significance of the Milestone

“It was great to see that the milestone ticked over during a sortie very typical of C-130J operations – a resupply mission to Port Moresby in support of [Exercise] Olgeta Warrior,” said Flight Lieutenant David Campbell, who piloted the aircraft on its 170,000th hour.

“It was a good opportunity to reflect on not just the flying hour milestone, but the immense contribution behind the scenes by our maintenance, logistics and operations personnel to keep the aircraft flying all these years, which would be many multiples of the flying hour total.”

Future of the Hercules Fleet

The C-130J Hercules has been in active service since 1999, significantly enhancing Australia’s aerial defense with increased airlift capacity, longer range, greater payload, and advanced avionics. The fleet is planned to remain operational into the 2030s before being replaced by a new generation of C-130 aircraft under Project AIR 7404.

Key Contributions of the Hercules

Author’s summary: The RAAF’s C-130J Hercules fleet has surpassed 170,000 flight hours, highlighting its vital role in Australian defense and ongoing service into the 2030s before transitioning to newer aircraft under Project AIR 7404.

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Australian Aviation Australian Aviation — 2025-11-10

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