One of RAF Lyneham's C130K Hercules
air transporters, affectionately known as 'Fat Albert'
been spear heading all the transportation of the armed
forces personnel and equipment to all four corners of
the globe.
This workhorse has been stationed at RAF Lyneham since
1967 although about half of the fleet have been replaced
by the updated second generation C130J Hercules.
The picture taken in 2004 shows a 'stumpy' C130K Mk1
on a grass strip in Shropshire. The Hercules is used
primarily to carry troops, passengers and freight. The
CMk1 is capable of carrying 92 passengers. The maximum
payload is 20 tonnes or 45,000lbs which can be carried
over 2,000 miles.
Following the Falklands War, all RAF Hercules were
fitted with an air-to-air refuelling probe which can
extend their range to over 5,000 miles. The freight
bay can accommodate a range of wheeled or tracked vehicles
or 5 - 7 pallets of general freight.
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