Six Indian C-130Js Fly Together Testing Skills, Capabilities

[SpArK]

Six Indian C-130Js Fly Together Testing Skills, Capabilities
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At the break of dawn early this week the Veiled Vipers (C-130J Squadron) flew six of their aircraft in a tactical formation thereby displaying the operational capability and potential of the Indian Air Force in combat airlift operations.

The six aircraft Viper formation also displayed the skills of the aircrew and maintenance potential of the IAF.

The C-130J, Super Hercules is the most newly inducted aircraft in the IAF inventory. It is a medium lift tactical transport aircraft capable of flying low levels undetected and landing at assault strips.

 

[acetophenol]

Can we increase the no.of orders and get local production of these babes?

 

[SpArK]

 

[sancho]

Can we increase the no.of orders and get local production of these babes?

We will raise a second squadron and increase the order to 12, but no licence production, tot or any other industrial benefit, besides some offsets which are mainly used to replace US parts that comes with restrictions otherwise. India is just a cheap production hub for US defence manufacturers, just like Indian forces are just a buyer of their products, don't expect a similar relation as we have with Russians, Europeans or Israelis.

 

[shree835]

We need at least 2 squadron of C-130J… 6 is not at all enough.

 

[baker]

Can we increase the no.of orders and get local production of these babes?

we are dealing with US... so no hope for local production.........................

 

[xataxsata]

IAF flies commando plane fleet, displays operational fitness

New Delhi, June 19 (IANS) In a display of its operational readiness and air power, the Indian Air Force (IAF) has flown six of its planes meant for inserting commandos for special operations all at once, indicating the fleet is 100 percent serviceable.

The C-130J fleet, inducted in the 77 'Veiled Vipers' squadron of the IAF, took to the skies simultaneously from its home base at Hindon in Ghaziabad on the outskirts of the national capital last week, according to an officer in the IAF headquarters here.

"The six planes flew for about an hour and returned to the base," an officer said.

The C-130J, capable of carrying 92 paratroopers with their gear or 128 fully equipped combat troops, was inducted in February 2011. The six planes were ordered by India from the US manufacturer Lockheed Martin in 2008 and the first plane was delivered to the IAF in December 2010.

"The six-aircraft fleet was carrying out the tactical flying operation, as part of its training. It was to display that all the six C-130J can be flown out to carry about a battalion-strength troops if necessary," the officer said.

The aircraft is capable of doing low-level flying undetected to assist in covert missions. It can land on all sorts of airstrip surfaces.

IAF flies commando plane fleet, displays operational fitness

 

[COLDHEARTED AVIATOR]

How do these guys fly behind each other over such short distances?I mean the wake turbulence generated should be effective at such close distances...a plane has to be above the other plane or 1000 ft below to avoid getting hit by vortices generated by the plane ahead of it.

 

[Abingdonboy]

How do these guys fly behind each other over such short distances?I mean the wake turbulence generated should be effective at such close distances...a plane has to be above the other plane or 1000 ft below to avoid getting hit by vortices generated by the plane ahead of it.

I'd say it was a combo of flying skill and computer power! Remember in many militaries such larg planes, and even larger ones, have to fly as close as this, if not closer, to conduct AAR and whilst the wake of the plane in front is significant it is not impossible to fly like this given the right skill set and, nowadays, the right flight computers.





+ this is some sight!! IAF really seems to have fallen in love with these beasts, the second follow on order seems assured.




+ Spark, I don't know how you do it but you keep pulling these rabbits out of hats and providing some great topics- keep up the great work pal!!

 

[COLDHEARTED AVIATOR]

^^^ I am not too sure about flying skills as there have been accidents in the past coz of Wake Turbulence and if there was some skill which could avoid getting out of control then there wont have been the 2 minute seperation rule while take off which is followed even in times of heavy traffic and this skill could have been passed to civil pilots which would have resulted in better traffic management.

Regarding use of Flight computers i think it can be the reason but i would like to know what computers are these.

Wake turbulence is the strongest during takeoffs as the configuration is clean after reaching +ROC and the speed is slow. It starts immediately after your nose wheel leaves the ground and ends as soon as you land.Wake Turbulence of even a chopper is significant and these are medium category transport planes.The pic of those planes lining up for take-off amazes me...Its really impressive.

I dont follow Military Aviation that much but i have seen such pics before of different airforces...it amazes me how everything is achieved by defence forces first and then passed on for civil use.

 

[baqai]

the squadron name and motto suits more to a attack or strike squadron rather than a transport squadron, am i missing something here?

 

[SpArK]

the squadron name and motto suits more to a attack or strike squadron rather than a transport squadron, am i missing something here?

Thats correct and i too have the same feeling.

The name, the patch and the logo was more suited to a fighter squadro.

 

[Royan]

Thats correct and i too have the same feeling.

The name, the patch and the logo was more suited to a fighter squadro.

C-130 are meant for special forces operation special force striking fast like a viper and quite as lethal I think the name comes from that scenario.Also Veiled i.e hidden draws from special forces sneaking or hiding in inside the C-130 and then striking.

 

[Abingdonboy]

the squadron name and motto suits more to a attack or strike squadron rather than a transport squadron, am i missing something here?

Like (^^) said the 77th Veiled Vipers are a dedicated special operations transport squadren so they are by nature offensive and I think the SQD name is quite apt.

 

[sancho]

We need at least 2 squadron of C-130J… 6 is not at all enough.

Keep in mind why they were procured! They are meant for special operations and mainly for our special forces, that's why they have specialised avionics, a FLIR and mid air refuelling capability which are not needed for normal aircrafts. The normal transport role in this class will be taken over by MTA in future.