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Bye-bye C-130 Hercules

RAF C-130 Hercules performing their flypast of RAF Mildenhall in Suffolk.

 

Three RAF Hercules toured the UK on 14th. June 2023 in a flypast to mark the iconic aircraft's retirement after over 56 years of service with the RAF. The farewell trip covered locations of significance to the Hercules service and 47 Squadron.

 

10.00 Depart Brize Norton

10:25 National Memorial Arboretum, Alrewas

10:34 RAF Cosford

11:22 RAF Valley

11:48 FS Aldergrove

12:51 RAF Lossiemouth (with Typhoon escort)

14:08 RAF Leeming

14:10 RAF Topcliffe

14:23 Beverley

14:35 RAF Waddington

14:38 RAF College Cranwell

14:58 Cambridge Airport

15:04 RAF Mildenhall

15:15 Colchester Garrison

16:22 MOD Boscombe Down

16:25 Salisbury Plain (West Down Camp)

16:32 MOD Lyneham

16:36 Royal Wootton Bassett

16:39 Defence Academy of the UK, Shrivenham

16:43 Dalton Barracks, Abingdon

16:51 RAF Halton

16:55 RAF High Wycombe

17:05 RAF Brize Norton

 

The first Hercules arrived at aerospace company Marshall's of Cambridge in December 1966. Since entering RAF service, originally with 242 Operational Conversion Unit at RAF Thorney Island, it has operated across the globe in support of UK military and humanitarian relief operations.

47 Squadron and the Hercules will continue to deliver on operations supporting UK defence objectives until 30th. June, when the 14 remaining aircraft will be retired and put up for sale and 47 Squadron will be disbanded.

 

 

 

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Uploaded on June 14, 2023
Taken on June 14, 2023