Royal Air Force C-130 Hercules Farewell Flypast Tour

A flypast to mark the forthcoming retirement of the C-130 Hercules from RAF service will take place across all four nations of the United Kingdom on Wednesday 14 June.

The first Hercules arrived at Marshall’s of Cambridge in December 1966. Since entering RAF service, originally at RAF 242 Operational Conversion Unit 242 Thorney Island, it has operated around the world in support of UK military and humanitarian relief operations. But its time in the Royal Air Force came to an end, and the aircraft were put up for sale by the Defense Equipment Sales Authority (DESA).

1st C-130 Hercules RAF — The first of 66 RAF Hercules C.1s shown after arrival at Marshall’s of Cambridge on December 19, 1966. Photo: RAF

As a result of a major restructuring that the United Kingdom is carrying out in its Armed Forces, it was decided to decommission the fleet of C-130J Super Hercules aircraft, in order to generate fiscal savings to invest that money in weapons systems under development, such as the GCAP.

The work done by the Hercules will be carried out by the RAF’s fleet of 22 Atlas (A400M) and other air mobility aircraft.

The end of an era

47 Squadron and the Hercules will continue to conduct operations in support of UK defense objectives until 30 Jun 23.

The experience gained in operating the Hercules and its wide range of capabilities will be transferred to the RAF’s other in-service flying platforms. This includes ground support personnel (engineers, air operations and intelligence professionals) who will be redeployed to similar positions within the RAF.

Farewell tour

Details of the planned route and timings of the three aircraft can be found below and cover locations of importance to the Hercules and 47 Squadron service.