The Lockheed C-130 Hercules is a multipurpose military transport aircraft used by many states around the world, this is a list of the current and former operators.
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The Indonesian Air Force began operating the C-130 in the 1960s, with a fleet of 8 C-130Bs transport aircraft and 2 KC-130B tankers. [8] The aircraft purchase was part of a deal between the United States and Indonesia to secure the release of Allen Lawrence Pope, a CIA pilot captured while conducting covert operations in support of Permesta rebels in the Moluccas. [9] With this purchase Indonesia became the very first foreign operator of the aircraft on the world. [8] Since then the aircraft has been the backbone of its airlift capabilities, being used to carry both military supplies and humanitarian aid.
Over the years the Indonesian Air Force has added additional newer models to its fleet by acquiring second hand C-130Hs from the Royal Australian Air Force [10] as well as ordering brand new C-130J-30 Super Hercules. [11] However, the Indonesian Air Force has also suffered the loss of several C-130 aircraft in multiple accidents [12] , including one of its two KC-130 tankers, significantly reducing its aerial refueling capability. [13]
Currently Indonesia operates a total of 25 C-130 models this includes one KC-130, eight L-100-30s, 12 C-130B/H/H-30s, and five C-130J-30 Super Hercules. [14]
The Japan Defense Agency ordered the C-130H which was the newest model in 1981. The Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) purchased 16 in total to replace aging C-1 and YS-11P aircraft. The C-130Hs were received from 1984 to 1998.
JASDF C-130Hs were active in Iraq from 2004 to 2008. Two C-130Hs (95-1080 and 95–1083) have been equipped with aerial fuel-receiving and refueling functions, making them of KC-130H standard. [15] [16] This provides the JASDF with the ability to refuel the UH-60J search and rescue helicopters of its Air Rescue Wing.
Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force [1]
The JMSDF bought six used KC-130R aircraft that were in storage, having been previously operated by the US Marines. There was some speculation that they may be used as gunships with the Harvest HAWK kit. [17] In actuality they were purchased to replace three aging YS-11M/M-A aircraft of Air Transport Squadron 61.
Their air to air refueling equipment was removed, making them of C-130R standard. Corrosion repair was done and the aircraft were refitted with new landing gear supports, cargo door supports and center wing rainbow fittings. In addition to structural modifications, Japan received thirty overhauled Allison T56-A-16 engines and digital cockpit upgrades to include a digital GPS. Regeneration of the first aircraft began in November 2012 and was planned to be completed by Fall 2013. [18] The six C-130Rs were supplied from 2014 to 2016. [19]
