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 (411) is painted in the colors of 28 Squadron of the South African Air Force and represents the "J"-model (which is not currently operated by the S.A.A.F.), 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, landing gear and propellers; full lighting effects; opening front door and rear cargo ramp as well as a pilot getting into- and out of the aircraft as it takes of and a flight attendant opening and closing the front door. A sound pack is also included.
The panel is a photo-realistic rendition, designed from photographs downloaded from the Lockheed-Martin website .It includes a Heads Up Display ("HUD"), working radar units (requires Pete Downson's FSUIPC version 2.83 or higher) and Multi Function Displays ("MFDs) for the engine-instruments ("EICAS").
The following comment was made by a former pilot about the flight dynamics of this aircraft:
As a former L-100 (Civilian version of the C-130) captain I was delighted with the realism of the flight dynamics and the sound of this C-130J simulation. Having spent many hours in the USMC KC-130 simulator at El Toro MCAS I wish that simulator had flown as well as Vasco's. My recurrency training sessions would have been a lot less stressful. Gerhard Opel (Capt. Transamerica Airlines, ret.)
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!
Radar operation
The radar unit shows other aircraft in your proximity. The mode switch toggles between three modes: (1.) 360 deg view. (2.) Front facing horizontal view. (3.) Narrow, front-facing beam vertical situation. The range switch toggles between 10, 20, 30 and 40 nm. Clicking on aircraft displayed on the radar screen displays the following about the aircraft you selected: (1.) ID (Tail number or flight name); (2.) Speed (ground speed); (2.) Altitude in FL (ASL): (3.) Vertical speed (in feet/minute): (4.) Distance (in nautical miles) from your aircraft.
Installation
Copy the S A Hercules(J)2002v2-folder to the aircraft-folder of FS2002 and extract the gauges.zip to the gauges-folder of FS2002.
Credits
Gerhard Opel: Test pilot
Eric Marciano and Jorge Salas: Radar suppliers
LEGAL STUFF
Please note that this aircraft is copyrighted to the author 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. The author does not take any responsibility for any damage or loss sustained due to the installation of this aircraft.
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
External Dimensions
Wing Span
132.6 ft / 40.41 m
Wing Aspect Ratio
10.1
Length (Overall)
97.75 ft / 29.79 m
Height (Overall)
38.8 ft / 11.84 m
Tailplane Span
52.7 ft / 16.05 m
Wheel Track
14.25 ft / 4.34 m
Propeller Diameter
13.5 ft / 4.11 m
Wing Area (gross)
1,745 sq. ft / 162.12 sq. m
Internal Dimensions
Cabin Length (excluding ramp)
40 ft / 12.19 m
Cabin Length (including ramp)
50.7 ft / 15.44 m
Max. Width
10.25 ft / 3.12 m
Max. Height
9 ft / 2.74 m
Total useable volume
4,551 cubic ft / 128.9 cubic m
Weights and loadings
Operating Empty Weight
75,562 lbs / 34,274 kg
Max. Fuel Weight (internal)
45,900 lbs / 20,519 kg
Max. Payload, 2.5 g
41,790 lbs / 18,955 kg
Max. Normal Takeoff Weight
155,000 lbs / 70,305 kg
Max. Overload Takeoff Weight
175,000 lbs / 79,380 kg
Max. Normal Landing Weight
130,000 lbs / 58,965 kg
Max. Overload Landing Weight
155,000 lbs / 70,305 kg
Max Zero-Fuel Weight, 2.5 g
117,350 lbs / 53,230 kg
Max. Wing Loading (normal)
88.83 lb/sq ft / 433.7 kg/sq m
Max. Power Loading (normal)
8.44 lbs/shp / 5.14 kg/kW
Performance (at max normal takeoff weight, unless indicated otherwise)
Max. Cruising Speed
348 kts / 645 km/h
Economy Cruising Speed
339 kts / 628 km/h
Stalling Speed
100 kts / 185 km/h
Max. Rate of Climb at Sea Level
2,100 ft/min / 640 m/min
Time to 6,100 m
12 min
Cruising Altitude
28,000 ft / 8,535 m
Service Ceiling at 66,680 kg AUW
30,560 ft / 9,315 m
Service Ceiling, OEI, at 66,680 kg AUW
22,820 ft / 6,955 m
Takeoff Run
3,290 ft / 1,003 m
Takeoff Run to 15 m
4,700 ft / 1,433 m
Takeoff Run using max. effort procedures
1,800 ft / 549 m
Landing from 15 m at 58,967 kg AUW
2,550 ft / 777 m
Landing Run at 58,967 kg AUW
1,400 ft / 427 m
Runway LCN: asphalt
37
Runway LCN: concrete
42
Range with 18,144 kg payload and MIL-C-5011A reserves
2,835 nm / 5,250 km
Author: Vasco Ferreira 30 December 2002
E-mail: paulif@yebo.co.za
