By Leandro Maldonado
The first Israeli Air Force C-130H Hercules upgraded by Elbit Systems is seen about to take off from Nevatim AB 28 earlier this month. Of note is the added FLIR ball under the nose. ©Elbit Systems
Nevatim, Israel, 11 October 2015 — With the support of Elbit Systems, the Israeli Air Force small Lockheed C-130E/H Hercules cargo fleet has undergone a facelift. A new wing box, a novel radar and digital screens are just part of the improvements that will keep the heritage planes flying for at least another two decades. The first improved plane took from Nevatim air base (AB 28) in the Negev earlier this month.
The first improved C-130 “Qarnaf” (Hebrew for « Rhinoceros”) heavy transport airplane took off for the first time after a long process in which new and advanced systems were installed on it and its main wing was replaced, as part of an overall renewal project for the C-130 division. It is expected that within a few years the pilots of No.131 Squadron — which has been operating the C-130 for the past 30 years — will fly only with these upgraded aircraft. The improved planes are expected to fly until 2040, at least. The current IAF « Herk » fleet is today composed of six C-130Es, six C-130Hs and four KC-130H tankers.
The first Lockheed C-130H upgraded by Elbit Systems and IAI for the Israeli Air Force. New avionics suite also include SATCOM and new radar. ©Elbit Systems
“We celebrate the completion of the process and the beginning of the meaningful period of integration”, said Brig. Lihu Hacohen, the commander of Nevatim air base, during a ceremony celebrating the improved C-130 first sorties. “We are going out on a new road, with a new and better fighting aircraft. I am proud to see the plane taking off in the Negev desert. With the improved C-130 we can perform our missions in a better, simpler way”, said Lt. Col. A, the commander of the No.131 “Knights of the Yellow Bird” squadron. “We get excellent aircraft with high operational capabilities”. The improved “Herk” will possess significantly upgraded operational capabilities, especially in the field of low altitude flight and in dark night. The improvement process is conducted in cooperation with Elbit Systems and Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) and includes the replacing of the main wing and installation of new LCD screens. In addition, the plane will be equipped with advanced radar. “We reached a situation where all C-130s needed an overall repair”, said Captain Dor, the leader of the integration in the transport training center. “The process gave us a whole new plane”.