The RAF’s C-130J Hercules has made one of its final public
appearances ahead of its retirement at the end of June.
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Appearing as part of the static aircraft display at the Abingdon Air and Country Show, the C-130J was open for those attending the show to get up close and personal for what will have been one of the last opportunities for people to do so.
Aircrew from the RAF’s No. 47 Squadron, who flew the aircraft to the air show, were also on hand over the weekend to speak with members of the public about the aircraft and share stories of their time operating the Hercules.
Flight Lieutenant Russell Curto said:
“It was an honour to be invited back to the Abingdon Airshow and to where 47 Squadron was based in 1953. The C-130 was certainly a focal point and drew a large crowd to this great country airshow; at times we had hundreds lined up to see the Hercules. The day was filled with many stories from the public with such fond memories of the C-130 and some great tales of the Hercules on operations from some of our former serving members. We arrived on Friday following a Low Level Cross Country training sortie where we continue to practice our Tactical Air Transport skillsets such as low flying, airdrop and airland”
Flight Lieutenant Russell Curto
Number 47 Squadron RAF
Event organiser Neil Porter said:
“In a nutshell it was a warm sunny day which is perfect conditions. The C130J arrived mid-afternoon on the Friday and the next day there were queues of people wishing to take a look and the crew were kept busy all day. It’s a perfect farewell from us and Abingdon as 47 Squadron has history back in the RAF Abingdon days. We also welcomed a C-17 Globemaster from RAF Brize Norton flown by 99 Squadron, which had equally large queues of people eager to explore the aircraft. It was a real coup for us and extremely fortunate to have two air transport types support, especially the C130J before they retire”
Neil Porter
Event Organiser
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