C-130 Hercules 'Fat Albert'

Specifications

Engines: Four Allison T56-A-15 Turboprops

Thrust: 19,600 lbs

Max Speed: 310 kts

Length: 29.77m

Max Altitude: 32,000 ft

Span: 40.38m

Aircrew: 5/6

Who uses the Hercules C-130K C1/3

70 Squadron RAF Brize Norton 47 Squadron RAF Brize Norton

Details

The C-130 Hercules tactical transport aircraft is the workhorse of the RAF's Air Transport (AT) fleet and is based at RAF Lyneham in Wiltshire, where it is operated by nos 24,30,47 and LXX Squadrons. The fleet totals 50 aircraft and is a mixture of C1/C3 aircraft and the newer C130J aircraft, designated C4/C5.

The C1/C3 are used primarily to carry troops, passengers or freight and are capable of carrying up to 128 passengers, or 20 tonnes of palletised freight or vehicles, for up to 2000 nmls. The freight bay can accommodate a ranged of wheeled or tracked vehicles, or up to seven pallets of general freight. In the aeromedical evacuation role either 64 or 82 stretchers can be carried, depending on the mark of aircraft and the stretcher configuration. The maximum unrefuelled ferry range is 3500 nmls, which can be extended to over 4000 nmls by air-to-air refuelling. The other main role of the C-130 is Transport Support (TS), which is the airborne delivery of personnel or stores by airdrop. In this role the aircraft supports airborne operations conducted by 16 Air Assault Brigade by the aerial delivery of paratroops, stores and equipment. The aircraft is particularly valuable in its TS role as it can be operated from unprepared and semi-prepared surfaces by day or by night.

The majority of the aircraft are fitted with defensive infared countermeasure equipment, whilst some aircraft used for special tasks have an additional, enhanced defensive-aids suite comprising a Skyguardian radar warning receiver, a chaff and flare countermeasure dispensing system and a missile approach warning system. The C3 is also equipped with station-keeping equipment, which enables the aircraft to maintain its airborne position in a large formation in thick cloud or bad weather where the other formation members cannot be seen. The aircraft are receiving ongoing avionics, electrical and structural upgrades, which will enable them to remain the workhorse of the AT fleet into the next decade.

Douglas C47 (DC3) DAKOTA ZA947

Due to operational commitments of our main jump platforms, the RAF Falcons have, on several occasions, had the great honour of being supported by the 'Mighty Dakota' of the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight (BBMF). This necessitated specialist training which the Team thoroughly enjoyed. ZA947 currently wears the livery of 267 'Pegasus' Squadron which flew in the Middle East in 1943/44. During 2004 the original and authentic 'para-seats' were re-fitted to the Dakota, returning the cabin interior to the original, wartime specification.

Chinook HC2/2A/3

Specifications

Engines: Two Textron Lycoming T55-L712F turboshafts

Thrust: 3,148lbs

Max Speed: 160kts

Length: 30.18m

Max altitude: 15,000ft

Span: 18.29m

Aircrew: 4

Who uses the Chinook HC2/2A/3

7, 18, 27 Squadron - RAF Odiham

Details

During the 2008 season, the RAF Falcons are delighted to be afforded the opportuntity to utilise the Chinook helicopter and their highly trained crews from the heavy-lift element of Joint Helicopter Command (JHC) based at RAF Odiham. As the cabin is large enough to accomodate 2 Land Rovers there is ample room for the team and their equipment. The Chinook also has the added benefit of a rear ramp which the team utilise to its full capacity.

Puma HC1

Specifications

Engines: Two Turbomeca Turno 3-C4 turbines

Thrust: 1300nm

Max Speed: 147kts

Length: 14.08m

Max altitude: 17,000ft

Span: 15.09ft

Aircrew: 3

Who uses the Puma HC1

33 Sqn RAF Benson

230 Sqn RAF Aldergrove

Details

Due to operational commitments around the world, ‘FAT Albert’ is not always available. The Team have an ideal replacement in the Puma Helicopter from 33 Squadron, based at RAF Benson in Oxfordshire. The Puma provides a great platform and sometimes brings the added spectacle of landing on the Drop Zone after the display, before transporting the Team to their next display. It also enables the Team to display in areas where airspace is limited, such as the City of London or other large, built-up areas.