RAAF Hercules fleet hits 170,000 flight hour milestone

RAAF Hercules Fleet Reaches 170,000 Flight Hours

The Royal Australian Air Force’s (RAAF) 37 Squadron has achieved a major milestone as its C-130J Hercules fleet surpassed 170,000 flying hours. Since entering service in 1999, the Hercules aircraft have been vital to the squadron’s missions both in Australia and abroad.

Operational Importance of the Hercules Fleet

The Hercules fleet supports a wide range of operations, from tactical airlift across the country to critical missions overseas. It has been essential for transporting personnel, equipment, and providing logistical support wherever needed.

Flight Lieutenant David Campbell, who was piloting during the 170,000th flight hour, highlighted the milestone’s significance: “It was great to see that the milestone ticked over during a sortie very typical of C-130J operations – a resupply mission to Port Moresby in support of [Exercise] Olgeta Warrior.”
“It was a good opportunity to reflect not just on the flying hour milestone, but the immense contribution behind the scenes by our maintenance, logistics and operations personnel to keep the aircraft flying all these years, which would be many multiples of the flying hour total.”

Future of the Hercules Fleet

The C-130J Hercules is expected to remain operational into the 2030s. It will eventually be replaced by a new generation of C-130 aircraft under Project AIR 7404.

Summary of the Hercules Impact

Author's summary: The RAAF’s C-130J Hercules fleet remains crucial for airlift and support missions, marking 170,000 flight hours as it continues service until its future replacement arrives in the 2030s.

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Australian Aviation Australian Aviation — 2025-11-10

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