The Lockheed C130 Hercules is the South African Air Force long-range transport aircraft. It can carry 90 passengers, 64 fully equipped paratroopers or 74 stretchers with 2 medical attendants in the mass casualty evacuation role. The Hercules was extensively used during the Bush War in Namibia and Angola in the 1970s and 1980s and is still widely used, currently often in a more humanitarian role.
This aircraft (410) is painted in the colors of 28 Squadron of the South African Air Force. It is upgraded to "J" specifications, which include more powerful engines with six-blade propellers, longer range, higher top- and cruise speed and a longer range.
This aircraft features animation of all control surfaces and propellers, shining landing lights and working strobe lights. The sound is from the FS2002 Cessna 208 Caravan. The panel includes a Heads Up Display ("HUD"), radar units and Multi Function Displays ("MFDs) for the engine-instruments ("EICAS") and Horizontal Situation Indicator ("HSI"). The cockpit features virtual characteristics with realistic views in all directions.
Notes on the panel:
The radar units are displayed with the GPS by clicking on the GPS-icon. The autopilot, together with the radio stack and the HUD are displayed by clicking on the Radio Stack-icon. You can toggle between the EICAS-modes by using the knob to the right of the EICAS display unit. The control knob for the HSI MFD is located to the right of the rudder trim controls. The ignition switches are from the FS2000 Concorde. As the Concorde.gau is a very big file, I did not include it in this package. If you have FS2000 or can get hold of this file, please copy it to the Gauges-folder of FS2002.
Flying the aircraft
This is a very easy aircraft to fly. It is a short take-off and landing ("STOL") aircraft and can indeed land and take off on very short runways. To take off, engage the parking brake, add full throttle, wait for full power and release the parking brake. At 80 knots add two notches of flap and pull back on the stick at 100 knots. Landing approach at 115 knots with full flaps and gear down. Apply brakes and reverse thrust at touchdown and you will sop very rapidly!
Installation
Copy the S A Hercules(J)2002-folder to the aircraft-folder of FS2002 and extract the gauges.zip to the gauges-folder of FS2002. Copy the Concorde.gau from FS2000 to the Gauges-folder of FS2002 (if you have it). If not, don't worry about it; your Hercules just won't have ignition switches.
Please note that this aircraft is copyrighted to the designer and may not be sold or modified in any way without the permission of the designer. It may be distributed freely and must remain FREEWARE.
Background of the C-130 J
The new C-130J has the familiar silhouette, but it is a brand new airplane with the performance to prove it. With new engines and props, the J can reach 28,000 feet in just 14 minutes. And for tricky low altitude maneuvers, new avionics and dual head up displays make it easier and safer to operate. It also offers reduced manpower requirements, lower operating costs, support costs, and life-cycle costs.
While continuing to upgrade through modification, the U.S. Air Force has budgeted to resume fleet modernization through acquisition of the C-130J version. This new model features a two-crew-member flight system, 6,000 shp Allison AE21 00D3 engines and all-composite Dowty R391 propellers, digital avionics and mission computers, and improved reliability and maintainability.
The C-130J is a modification of the C-130H, undertaken by Lockheed Martin at company expense, with intended sales to the United States and various foreign markets. The C-130J modification includes a two-crew member flight station, upgraded Allison AE 2100D3 engines, enhanced performance, and improved reliability and maintainability. The C-130J/J-30 integrated digital technology provides the capability to airdrop in instrument conditions without zone markers, as a baseline feature of the aircraft. When the high resolution ground mapping capability of the APN-241 Low Power Color Radar is coupled with the dual INS/GPS and digital mapping systems, the C-130J/J-30 provides single-ship or formation all weather aerial delivery. This means the entire J/J-30 fleet will be all weather airdrop capable. C-130Js will be delivered as weather (WC), electronic combat (EC), and tanker (KC) configured aircraft.
The new C-130J is more than an evolutionary leap. It was developed in response to Air Force concerns about the growing cost of operating its older tactical airlift fleet and from a desire to take advantage of technology that could offer significant operational leverage in supporting combat forces at the point of attack. The "J" introduces new technologies and designs that will significantly reduce the life-cycle cost of operating the aircraft while dramatically improving overall system reliability. These new technologies will make aircraft maintenance simpler and far less frequent than earlier generations of this same aircraft. The C-130J incorporates state-of-the-art technology that significantly improves performance and reduces ownership costs. Lockheed Martin projections show the C-130J/J-30 will lower cost of ownership as much as 45% depending on the scenario used. Early model C-130s require more than 20 maintenance man-hours per flight hour (MMH/FH). The C-130J/J-30 will require 10 or less MMH/FH.
One of the near-term issues requiring resolution is the vulnerability of the aircraft to Man Portable Air Defense Systems (MANPADS). The Air Force is concerned with the proliferation of heat-seeking, shoulder-fired missiles that pose a threat to large aircraft. To combat this threat, the Air Force has initiated a program called "Large Aircraft Infrared Countermeasures (LAIRCM)" to equip some, but not all, C-130 and other transport and tanker aircraft with lasers capable of jamming infrared guided missiles. This program is not scheduled to begin until fiscal year 2004. Another near term possible issue being debated is the allegation that the new C-130J is extremely vulnerable to gunfire striking its wings and causing fires, and the Air Force should consider installing gas generators to reduce the risk of fire.
ENGINES
The C-130J is equipped with four Allison AE2100D3 turboprop engines, each rated at 4,591 shaft horsepower (3,425kW). The all-composite six-blade R391 propeller system was developed by Dowty Aerospace. The engines are equipped with full-authority digital electronic control (FADEC) by Lucas Aerospace. An automatic thrust control system (ATCS) optimizes the balance of power on the engines, allowing lower values of minimum control speeds and superior short-airfield performance.
The aircraft can carry a maximum internal fuel load of 45,900lb. An additional 18,700lb of fuel can be carried in external underwing fuel tanks. The refueling probe installed on the centre of the fuselage has been relocated on the C-130J to the port side, over the cockpit. Fuel efficiency has been increased by 15%.
SPECIFICATIONS
Lenght: 29.78m
Span: 40.41m
Height: 11.58m
Weight: 34.274t (empty)\n 79.380t (MTOW)
Engines: 4 x Allison AE2100D3 turboprop
Power: 4 x 4591 shp
Max speed: 348 kts
Cruise speed: 339 kts
Ceiling: 30560 ft
Cruise altitude: 28000 ft
Range: 4634 nm @ 28000 ft/338 kts
Designer: Vasco Ferreira 23 February 2002
E-mail: paulif@yebo.co.za
Designer: Vasco Ferreira 23 February 2002
E-mail: paulif@yebo.co.za
