Ref. 29457-15 Flt Lt Martin Baber, left, and Flt Lt Duncan SwainstonCELEBRATING 50 YEARS OF THE HERCULES: There are currently four squadrons at RAF Lyneham who operated the Hercules two equipped with the J Hercules and the other two equipped with the older K version.

Martin Baber, 37, and Duncan Swainston, 25, both serve with 30 Squadron, which fly the new J Hercules.

Flt Lt Swainston said: "It might look like a Hercules but it is a very different aircraft underneath and a joy to fly, much easier than the old aircraft."

Flt Lt Baber said the new plane had played an important role in Afghanistan.

"We say the new J is a digital aircraft whereas the old one is very analogue," he said.

"All the information is presented to us on screens rather than separate pieces of information given to me, the co-pilot and navigator on the old Hercules.

"The more powerful engines were invaluable in Afghanistan.

"We were operating at altitudes of 6,000ft in what we call hot and high conditions.

"All engines produce less power at this altitude but, because we had the engines, we could carry more cargo in the hold which is really important for the guys on the ground.

"It also means fewer flights and therefore less fuel used."

Group Capt Paul Oborn, the station commander at RAF Lyneham, has flown both types of Hercules. He said training on the new Hercules can be completed for more easily.

"On the old aircraft we could not practise low-level flying in the simulator but with the new J we can do so and so we upset fewer neighbours," he said.