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 reached a significant milestone with its C-130J Hercules fleet exceeding 170,000 flight hours. Since joining the squadron in 1999, the C-130J Hercules has been central to a wide range of missions, from tactical airlift operations within Australia to crucial deployments overseas.

Mission and Operational Highlights

The Hercules has been described by the RAAF as the foundation of the squadron’s ability to deliver personnel, equipment, and vital support wherever required. Flight Lieutenant David Campbell, flying the aircraft during its 170,000th hour, highlighted the moment’s importance:

“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.”

“It was a good opportunity to reflect not just on 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.”

Legacy and Future Plans

The C-130J Hercules has significantly enhanced Australia's aerial defense capabilities by increasing airlift capacity and range, along with providing a higher payload and advanced avionics. The fleet is projected to remain in service through the 2030s. After that, it will be replaced by a new generation of C-130 aircraft as part of Project AIR 7404.

Key Facts:

Author’s summary: The RAAF’s C-130J Hercules fleet marks 170,000 flight hours, reflecting decades of vital airlift service and looking ahead to its 2030s modernization under Project AIR 7404.

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Australian Aviation Australian Aviation — 2025-11-10

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