RAAF Hercules Fleet Hits 170,000 Flight Hour Milestone
The Royal Australian Air Force’s (RAAF) 37 Squadron has celebrated a major achievement: its C-130J Hercules fleet has surpassed 170,000 flying hours. The Hercules is expected to remain in service into the 2030s, eventually being replaced by a new generation of C-130 aircraft under Project AIR 7404.
From tactical airlift missions across Australia to critical operations abroad, the RAAF highlights that the Hercules has been the backbone of the squadron’s ability to deliver personnel, equipment, and support wherever needed.
“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.”
Since its introduction in 1999, the C-130J Hercules has transformed Australia’s aerial defence by increasing airlift capacity, extending range, boosting payload, and introducing advanced avionics to the RAAF.
Author’s Summary
The RAAF’s Hercules fleet has reached a historic milestone, underscoring its vital role in national and international operations and the dedication of the personnel who keep it flying.