2:30pm Thursday 2nd August 2007
By Hayley Court
For 40 years the C130 Hercules, the workhorse of the Royal Air Force, has graced the skies of Wiltshire.
As RAF Lyneham marks the anniversary, the aircraft continues to serve in some of the world's most hazardous locations, supporting Special Forces and delivering humanitarian aid.
The RAF first bought 66 Hercules C Mk 1 aircraft, dubbed the Fat Albert, in 1966 to replace the ageing and limited Beverley and Argosy.
In the early days, the aircraft were based at four RAF stations and operated by five squadrons.
The first Hercules' arrived at Lyneham on August 1, 1967 and were attached to 36 Squadron.
Others were based with 48 Squadron at Changi, 30 and 47 Squadron at Fairford, and 242 Operational Conversion Unit at Thorney Island.
Retired Flight Lieutenant Sam Wright, who now lives in Lyneham, learnt to fly the Hercules at the age of 28.
Mr Wright, now 63, will never forget the reception given to the aircraft.
He said: "We were in awe of the Herc because it was so much bigger than aircraft we had used and could fly so much further than other supply craft."
He believes the Hercules are still an asset because they are constantly improved.
Only RAF Lyneham, home to 10,000 people, retained its connection with the aircraft and is now known as the Home of the Hercules with the motto on the station badge, "Support, Save, Supply"
Mr Wright said: "Lyneham will always be known for the Hercules and the Hercules will always be linked to Lyneham. It's a part of community life here."
In November 1999, the first of the new Hercules C130Js arrived at RAF Lyneham.
In terms of appearance, the aircraft are almost identical, but newer engines, propellers and state of the art electronic flight desk mark the major differences. The new engines coupled with the six-blade propeller combined to give the C130J better performance over its ageing partner.
Although fond memories of the years on the Hercules will remain with the current and former aircrews at the military base, no-one will forget the sense of loss felt when Hilton 22 - XV179 was shot down over Iraq in 2005.
Andy Humm served for five years with Chief Tech Richard Brown and Sgt O'Connor who were among those killed.He said: "The community was stunned by the tragic loss of these servicemen who paid the ultimate price for serving their Queen and Country."
© Copyright 2001-2010 Newsquest Media Group
http://www.gazetteandherald.co.uk