SPECIAL FORCES C-130K - Hercules

RAF 47 Squadron Special Forces flight operate C.1 and C.3A Hercules transport aircraft in support of UKSF operations. The C.3A is a 'stretched' version of the C.1, with a longer fuselage. It is also beleived that a small number of C.5 (equivalent to a C-130J) have been converted to a special forces configuration.

Up to 4 heavily armed SAS Land Rover 110s can be carried in the cargo hold of a C-130. SAS/SBS troops can also be parachuted from Hercules flying at high altitude (HALO & HAHO), whilst SBS teams can be dropped out to sea, along with their rigid inflatable boats (RIBs).

RAF SF Hercules are equipped with a defensive aids sub-system (DASS), designed to detect and protect against SAMs (Surface-to-air missiles). The DASS consists of:

• AN/AAQ-24(V) Nemesis directed IR countermeasures (DIRCM)
• AN/AAR-47 electro-optical missile warning system
  
• AN/APR-39A Radar Warning Receivers
• 3x AN/ALE-40 chaff/flare dispensors on either side of the lower nose

In addition to the defensive avionics, SF Hercules have also been fiited with a suite of sensor systems as part of a Enhanced Vision System upgrade:

• SIGMA Thermal Imaging system
  (in a Titan 385 turret under the aircraft's nose)
• Low Light Level Television (LLLTV) camera
  (in a fixed array above the nose)

These sensor packages allow the SF Hercules to better operate at night and to act as an airborne surveillance platform either on their own missions or in support of UKSF ground operations. Sqn 47 SF Flight Hercules are fitted with sophisticated satellite communications gear including voice, data and video relays - a facility which extends and greatly enhances the communication capability of UKSF ground forces.

RAF SF Hercules can also accommodate an array of classified listening gear which allows 47 Sqn to fly SIGINT (SIGnals INTelligence) missions.

Other advanvced avionics found in SF flight Hercules include:

• Honeywell 764G GPS/INS navigations system
• QinetiW advanced mission computer
• Flat Panel avionics displays
• Goodrich Sensor Systems digital air data computer

Additional flight deck armour has recently been added to protect the crew from ground fire.

C.1 Hercules Specifications

SF Hercules feature AN/AAQ-24(V) Nemesis directed IR countermeasures (DIRCM) in housings on the rear fuselage. (photo shows same system on a USAF MC-130) DoD photo by: A1C KIMBERLY GILLIGAN, USAF

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