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Browsing Tag: C-130 Hercules

Flight Review: The Final Flight of a C-130 on Active Duty

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The C-130H is on its sunset tour on active duty, but it will always provide a unique travel experience – Photo: David Lynn

I know many of you are used to reading fancy business class reviews on the newest aircraft with well-known airlines all over the world.  While those are all well and good (feel free to send me anytime) I felt it was important to share the experience of an aircraft that has carried millions of people all over the world for more than 40 years.

This aircraft caters to an elite type of passenger that is so special you can’t even buy your way on.  No, you have to work long and hard, and give up a lot, to get a seat on this amazing plane.  You can’t find this type of service on any other airline in the world.  If you want to talk about accommodations?  Let’s just say I guarantee you won’t find this type of comfort anywhere else.

This trip was scheduled to take place from Tokyo, Japan to Mansfield, Ohio, and if that seems like a strange city pair, you would be right.  But, being an AvGeek is all about special planes and special events.  In this case, the special plane was a C-130H Hercules, and the special event was its last flight in the active duty Air Force before being delivered to the National Guard.

That’s right, after 43 years of service all over the world, this beauty was moving on to a new life back in the United States, where it will continue to serve in new ways.  As you will see below, a 43-year-old airplane provides for a very unique and memorable experience.

Aerial Firefighting Part Two: The Different Planes Converted, and One Big Red Button

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An AT-802F Air Tractor (check out the "fire words" on the nose) - Photo: Julian Cordle

An AT-802F Air Tractor (check out the “fire words” on the nose) – Photo: Julian Cordle

Last November, I brought you an initial introduction into the world of Aerial Firefighting. That article focused on the concept, tactics and state of aerial firefighting. I promised a second look at the aircraft of Aerial Firefighting, so here we go!

First, let’s review the types of fixed-wing aerial firefighting aircraft and the associated designations and acronyms.

SEATs (Single Engine Air Tankers) are short-range, small, one-person aircraft with less than approximately 1,000 gallons of usable retardant capacity. The most well-known example here is an AT-802F Air Tractor and the ’œFire Boss’, which is a model AT-802F fitted with floats.

- Photo: Alan Radecki | WikiCommons

A Grumman S-2T converted to fire fighting duty – Photo: Alan Radecki | WikiCommons

Next we have the Large Air Tankers (LATs): of Type III, II, and I. Type III air tankers can dispense approximately 1,200 gallons per drop. The best example in this class could be the Grumman S-2T, which are re-engined Grumman S-2 ’œTracker’ Navy patrol aircraft. CalFire currently has 20+ of these in service.

Type II tankers include such interesting aircraft as the purpose-built Canadair CL-215 ’œSuperScooper’, with high, oversized wings and v-hull for scooping up up to 1,250 gallons of water to deliver to a fire.