Lockheed C-130 Hercules

[Joe Copalman]

Holy hell James, what an awesome catch.

I had no idea they had a TC at D-M.

[Dave S.]

Uh.....what's a TC?

[jslugman]

Trainer Herc, apparently there's only one TC-130H model. Assigned to the 55th ECG and the plainest Herc in the fleet.

[Dave S.]

Okay...so what makes it a trainer?  I'm figuring it still has the dual controls, just like any typical transport, utility or airliner cockpit, and I don't see a second cockpit above and behind the first one ( ).  So is it a lack of mission specific equipment that makes it a trainer?

[Joe Copalman]

Could be an EW trainer for the 55th ESG's Compass Call crews with simulated stations.  Could also be a base "hack" for proficiency hours to keep time down on the mission-specific birds.  I'm just throwing stuff out there.

[jslugman]

I think Joe's right on the money, I have a friend associated with the aircraft that I'll see this weekend and make an inquiry.

[jslugman]

Said TC-130 is a trainer for aircrew, outfitted with the same series of engines as the ACs, ECs, etc. so it is apparently the fastest non-J model Herc around.

[Joe Copalman]

One of D-M's resident electron messer-uppers working the pattern.

[Bubak]

 

Coolidge

[Ned Harris]

EC-130H landing at Davis-Monthan on 12-15-09.

[Chris V]

Crappy overcast in IL.

[Bubak]

Tucson

[Matt Ottosen]

Lockheed C-130H Hercules
440th Airlift Wing (440AW)

Departing Sky Harbor.

[Ned Harris]

HC-130P  65-0964 landing at DM on 1-5-10.

[Joe Copalman]

Beautiful CSAR catch Ned.  Hoping to catch one of these someday.