Airlift Unit Receives First of Newer C-130 Aircraft

National Guard, Mar 2005 by Rieger, Stacy

Illinois

Two H model C-130 Hercules aircraft landed in Peoria, 111.,Jan. 20, beginning the 182nd Airlift Wing's conversion from the older E model.

Col. William Robertson, commander of the Illinois Air National Guard unit, piloted the first new C-13OH aircraft, which touched down on a cold and blustery Thursday afternoon.

"The new aircraft might not look very different on the outside," Colonel Robertson said. "The main difference is on the inside with newer, more powerful engines, enhanced threat warning and defense systems and updated avionics. The conversion from C-13OE to C13OH will greatly increase the combat effectiveness of the 182 AW"

While similar to the C-130Es, the H models have many improvements over the four-decade-old aircraft they are replacing. They have enhanced radar and night vision and an improved electrical system. They also can fly longer and higher.

In addition, the C-130H's flexible design allows for quick and easy configuration to handle a wide variety of tactical airlift missions, allowing for one aircraft to perform the role of many, said Capt. Steve Thomas, 182nd executive officer.

By March 2006, all eight of the wing's C-130Es should be replaced with C-130Hs, which were built in the 1990s.

"The 182ncl has supported many combat and humanitarian support missions with great distinction, including being the first U.S. aircraft to land in Iran with humanitarian relief supplies [after the December 2003 earthquake] as well as the first U.S. aircraft to land in Baghdad aiter the Iraq war began," said Brig. Gen. Randal Thomas, Illinois adjutant general (page 20).

"I'm pleased to see them receiving newer equipment that will help defend the United States both at home and abroad," he said.

While the conversion to the C-13OH will require some training lor the aircrews, it is not expected to impact the wing's support of the global war on terror.

-By Stacy Rieger