Three Royal Air Force (RAF) C-130J Hercules aircraft took to the skies today for a special flypast tour across the United Kingdom to commemorate the retirement of these iconic transport planes. The tour aims to pay tribute to the Hercules’ long and distinguished service history and highlight the imminent stand down of 47 Squadron, which has operated the aircraft for decades.
Hercules’ Final Flypast: Captivating Picture Gallery of RAF’s Iconic Aircraft
![RAF C-130J Hercules embarks on UK flypast tour to mark retirement 16 Hercules final flight captured at Mach Loop Dolgellau, Wales by Nick Marr](https://mywokingham.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/DSC_2173hercules-1024x695.jpg)
![RAF C-130J Hercules embarks on UK flypast tour to mark retirement 17 Hercules final flight captured at Mach Loop Dolgellau, Wales by Nick Marr](https://mywokingham.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/DSC_2194hercules-scaled.jpg)
See our gallery here of historic photos at Hercules Final Flight Photos
Departing from RAF Brize Norton at 10:00 BST, the three C-130Js will traverse significant locations in England, Wales, Northern Ireland, and Scotland before returning at 17:05. Each stop on the tour holds significance for the Hercules’ service and its association with 47 Squadron. The aircraft’s retirement paves the way for the RAF’s transition to the Atlas A400m fleet, along with other types of air mobility aircraft. Epic
My Wokingham’s Video Farewell: RAF C-130J Hercules Trio’s Final Flight through Wales’
The Hercules, a mainstay of the RAF since 1966, has played a pivotal role in numerous UK military operations and provided essential humanitarian relief across the globe. Its reliability, versatility, and remarkable capabilities have made it an invaluable asset for the RAF throughout its service history.
The flypast timings today were as follows:
10:00 – Depart RAF 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
This farewell tour signifies the end of an era for the Hercules aircraft and marks the beginning of a new chapter for the RAF’s air mobility capabilities. The Royal Air Force expresses its gratitude to the C-130J Hercules and 47 Squadron for their unwavering service and invaluable contributions over the year
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