Upgraded Dutch C-130s in unique get-together

Photo Joris van Boven

Nov 28, 2012 by Joris van Boven  - FG

The Royal Netherlands Air Force has demonstrated its full fleet of four modernised Lockheed Martin C-130H tactical transports together for the first time, following the introduction to service of its last example to have been upgraded by the UK's Marshall Aerospace.

Pictured at Eindhoven air base, the quartet comprises two stretched-fuselage C-130H-30s introduced in 1994 and two short-fuselage Hercules acquired from ex-US Navy stocks, and the subject of a major modernisation effort in the UK.

Marshall Aerospace earlier this month completed a cockpit upgrade and cabin safety improvement programme for the last of the four-strong fleet, with this having included the installation of digital avionics and communications and navigation equipment at its Cambridge airport site. The modernised aircraft also now have night vision goggle-compatible cockpits to support night-time operations.

The Netherlands' C-130s are operated by the air force's 336 Sqn.