“When we add these modifications to all of our aircraft, we will greatly increase the reliability and performance of the C-130H, and the overall lethality of the United States Air Force.”-Colonel Justin Walrath, Wyoming Air National Guard’s 153rd Airlift Wing
You can’t count on those six bladed props to tell you that you’re looking at a C-130J Super Hercules anymore. The following pics are an old school C-130H upgraded with new engines and props that might make it look like a C-130J to the casual observer, along with a few other things.
The Wyoming Air National Guard is proud to be the first operator of the first C-130H upgraded with ‘J-like’ components. Wyoming was chosen in 2008 to get and try out upgraded C-130Hs.
The C-130J has six bladed props.
C-130J Super Hercules. U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Harry Brexel, 03FEB2017.
Most obvious change for upgraded C-130H are the turbines and eight bladed air-screws (evil British empire Rolls-Royce T56 series 3.5 with NP2000 props). The modifications took place over 18 months at Little Rock Air Force Base, Arkansas.
Upgraded C-130H Hercules. U.S. Air Force photo by Samuel King Junior, 11JAN2018.
Initial testing took place at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida. Supposedly the C-130H modifications mean various state National Guard units will save taxpayer money versus buying the C-130J.
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