J model is on target
C-130J performs first platform air drops in combined trial

Volume 48, No. 21, November 16, 2006

CARGO AWAY: The first of a series of drop tests begins from a C-130J.  Photo by FLTLT Tim Floyd

By FLTLT Tim Floyd

AIR Force is a step closer to realising the full potential of the C-130J in Australian service after the first platform air drops were tested on the Hercules model.

SQNLDR Jayson Livingstone from ARDU captained the aircraft, supported by a combined crew from ARDU, 37SQN, HQALG and AMTDU.

ARDU also provided a PC-9 chase aircraft to film the load extractions.

The first drop comprised a 5500lb type V aerial delivery platform, followed by a 2600lb and an 8500lb delivery dropped the following day.
The trial forms part of a larger air drop role expansion project.

FLTLT Pete Cseh from HQALG’s Test and Evaluation Cell was one of the C-130J pilots on board during the trial.

“Both the aircraft and the loads performed as expected; there were certainly no surprises,” he said.

“The USAF has dropped platforms up to 42,000lbs, and the RAF has dropped 24 one-ton CDS (container delivery system) loads. ALG intends to clear the
C-130J to drop similar loads in line with ADF operational requirements.

“We’ll begin training C-130J crews in platform airdrop procedures as soon as the airworthiness instruments are issued.”

Commander ALG AIRCDRE Glen Steed said he was very pleased with the results and was confident the C-130J would achieve an interim light-platform capability.
“Achieving a platform airdrop capability is an important step in the C-130J’s role expansion,” AIRCDRE Steed said.

“We have an increasing need to fulfil the roles currently performed by the C-130H as we progressively withdraw it from service.

“The C-130J has now demonstrated both platform and CDS delivery methods. The second phase of the trials, beginning mid 2007, will expand the airdrop capability of the C-130J to match that currently provided by the C-130H,” he said.

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