The Hindu : National : IAF inducts Super Hercules tactical airlift transport into its fleet

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National

IAF inducts Super Hercules tactical airlift transport into its fleet

Special Correspondent

Induction of the formidable aircraft adds more muscle to the force: Antony

— Photo: R.V. Moorthy

The newly inducted C-130J Super Hercules aircraft seen at the Hindon Air Force Station in Uttar Pradesh on Saturday.

GHAZIABAD: The Indian Air Force on Saturday inducted the tactical airlift transport C-130J Super Hercules aircraft at the Hindon Air Force Station here, with Defence Minister A.K. Antony handing over the ceremonial key at a function.

The aircraft, the first of six that India ordered three years ago from the U.S., will be based here under the newly raised 77 ‘Veiled Vipers' squadron with its motto “Kill with Stealth.”

The induction of the formidable aircraft, Mr. Antony said, added more muscle to the IAF and would help in its modernisation. He reiterated that the government remained committed to providing the latest and best equipment, and to ensuring that the IAF retained it qualitative edge.

The Chief of Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal P.V. Naik, described the C-130J as the most potent and versatile aircraft joining its fleet as the IAF moved towards maintaining aerospace dominance. After phasing out the Super Constellation in the mid 1970s, the IAF had inducted an American military aircraft.

The C-130J is a four-engine turboprop aircraft manufactured by Lockheed Martin. It can be used for troop deployment, special operations, air-to-air refuelling, disaster relief and humanitarian aid operations.

Its technology and configuration enables the aircraft to perform precision low-level flying, airdrops, and landing in blackout conditions.

Equipped with night vision imaging, the C-130J is capable of airdropping personnel and material even in complete darkness. It can also land on unprepared or semi-prepared landing strips and has self-protection to operate in hostile environments.

The aircraft is capable of undertaking low-level air-to-air refuelling that enhances its range and rapid forward-basing of personnel and equipment in emergent situations.

The C-130J was flown to India by IAF pilots who were trained at various U.S. Air Force bases. Group Captain Tejbir Singh will head the squadron.

While the second aircraft is expected to arrive in March, the rest are to be delivered in phases through this year. The contract for the aircraft was signed in 2008 at an estimated cost of under $1.2 billion under the Foreign Military Sales programme.

U.S. Ambassador Timothy J. Roemer, Chief of Air Staff of the U.S. Air Force General Norton A. Schwartz, Defence Secretary Pradeep Kumar, Vice-Chief of the Air Staff Air Marshal N.A.K. Browne, Chief of the Western Air Command Air Marshal D.C. Kumaria, officials from the U.S Embassy and top brass of the IAF attended the event.

After the induction, Mr. Roemer said: “The sale of the C-130J to the IAF on time and on budget is exactly the type of win-win situation that President Obama talked about during his visit to India last November. With the C-130J, the Indian defence can bring their troops what they need, when they need it, and to wherever they are located. And the United States wins too with better defence cooperation with India, new markets opened, and the creation of American jobs. A strong defence relationship is a key component of the U.S.-India strategic partnership.”

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