defense

An Overview of the Turkish Air Force's Military Cargo Aircraft (Part 3)

In our previous article, we evaluated why the C-130 Hercules is such a successful and valuable aircraft. Now, we will discuss the place of this legendary aircraft in the Turkish Air Force.

The cover photograph shows one of the Lockheed C-130E Hercules aircraft in the Turkish Air Force inventory, captured by photographer Graeme Williamson at Glasgow-Prestwick Airport, Scotland, on 23 March 2024. This high-resolution aviation photograph clearly reveals the detailed structure of the aircraft and its environment.

In our previous article, we evaluated why the C-130 Hercules is such a successful and valuable aircraft. Now, we will discuss the place of this legendary aircraft in the Turkish Air Force. In the third part, we will try to understand why C-130s are so important for our country and why investments are made in these aircraft.

If you have not read the 2nd part of our article series, I strongly recommend you to read it. I leave the relevant link below.

C-130 Hercules: A 70-Year Legend of Aviation History (Part-2)

https://strasam.org/tarih/havacilik-ve-uzay-sanayii/c-130-hercules-havacilik-tarihinin-70-yillik-efsanesi-bolum-2-3466

Turkish Air Force Lockheed C-130 Hercules (C-130B / C-130E)

The C-130 Hercules is one of the most successful military transport aircraft in aviation history. More than 2,500 C-130s, which have been operated by 70 countries since its production began, constitute a wide product family with many different variants. The latest version of the C-130J, which is still being produced at the Lockheed Martin facilities in Marietta, Georgia, has been continuously improved in line with technological developments.

The first C-130 Hercules aircraft joined the Turkish Air Force in 1964. A total of 5 C-130E type aircraft received in 1964 and 1965 were assigned to the ‘Air Tactical Transport Group’ of the 224th Squadron (later renamed as the 222nd Squadron) in Kayseri-Erkilet. One of these aircraft crashed during a training flight and was lost from the inventory. The squadron was reinforced with one C-130E each in 1971, 1973 and 1974. In 1991-1992, six C-130B aircraft were purchased from the United States of America. After the First Gulf War, six second-hand C-130B transport aircraft were purchased from the US National Air Guard in order to strengthen the Turkish Air Force's medium transport fleet. These aircraft were then actively involved in peace support operations in Somalia and Kenya as part of the United Nations Peacekeeping Force, and were subsequently used in military operations in Bosnia and Afghanistan.6 C-130E type military transport aircraft, which were taken over from the Royal Saudi Arabian Air Force, were included in the Turkish Air Force inventory in 2012.Why were second-hand C-130s purchased from Saudi Arabia? As the C-160 Transall transport aircraft, which have been in the Turkish Air Force inventory since 1971, reached the end of their economic life, and due to the delays in the project and delivery process of the new generation A400M transport aircraft caused by Airbus, six second-hand C-130E transport aircraft were purchased from the Royal Saudi Arabian Air Force at a total cost of $26.3 million as a temporary solution to meet the medium-range transport needs of the Turkish Air Force.

Different sources provide different data on the number of transport aircraft in the Turkish Air Force inventory. According to official statements, there are a total of 19 C-130 Hercules in the inventory, 13 C-130E and 6 C-130B types. However, this number is shown as 17 in open source databases such as Flightglobal (2024 World Air Force Directory). The reason for this difference can be explained by the fact that some C-130s are under maintenance and modernisation processes within the scope of the Erciyes modernisation project, or they may have been temporarily out of the inventory.

The first operation in which C-130s, which have taken part in many successful operations since 1964 when they entered the inventory of the Turkish Air Force, proved their operational power is the Cyprus Peace Operation. During the Cyprus Peace Operation, C-130E Hercules took off from Kayseri Erkilet Air Base on 20 July 1974 together with C-47 and C-160 type transport aircraft and participated in airdrop operations. During the first tactical air transport missions to Kırnı region, 6 Hercules aircraft delivered the airborne troops to the target area. The aircraft, including one Hercules aircraft, which was slightly damaged during the operation but continued its mission, carried out numerous sorties throughout the day. At the start of the operation, Hercules aircraft supported the critical first phase of the operation by airdropping approximately 900 paratroopers in 15 sorties. During the Cyprus Peace Operation, Hercules airlifted 2,311 paratroopers and 1,238 tonnes of logistic material, strengthening the logistic chain of the land forces.

In 1998, within the framework of a protocol signed between the Turkish Air Forces Command and the Ministry of Forestry, C-130B type transport aircraft used in air transport missions were actively involved in the fight against forest fires in Turkey.

In order to increase the effectiveness in the fight against forest fires, MAFFS (Modular Airborne Fire Fighting System) fire extinguishing kits were integrated into C-130B type transport aircraft. In this context, one kit was procured from the USA, while the remaining five kits were produced domestically by the 2nd Air Supply Maintenance Centre Command. Thus, six C-130B aircraft were able to carry 12 tonnes of water or chemicals in a single sortie, significantly increasing their effectiveness in fire-fighting operations. Under a protocol that is renewed every year, a total of six C-130B transport aircraft, two in Antalya and four in Kayseri/Erkilet, were deployed between June and October for rapid response to forest fires in Turkey. The C-130B type transport aircraft in the Turkish Air Force inventory played a critical role in the air-assisted fire fighting operations carried out between 1998 and 2006. The aircraft performed 706 sorties in 21 different geographical areas with a total of 939 hours of flight time, and demonstrated an effective response capacity in large-scale industrial disasters such as the Tüpraş refinery fire that occurred after the 17 August 1999 Marmara earthquake.

It has been observed that C-130B aircraft, which were not originally designed for firefighting, develop buckling deformations and fatigue cracks over time due to the hydrodynamic loads on the wings during the water dumping operation. In 2006, following the centre wing top cover rupture incident on one aircraft, the structural integrity of all aircraft in the fleet was examined in detail in line with international aviation safety regulations. During the examinations, significant structural damages were detected at the fuselage and wing joints on four C-130B aircraft.

In the light of scientific aviation data on critical safety incidents such as wing detachment experienced in similar aircraft in other countries, it was assessed that the deterioration in the structural integrity of these aircraft could lead to more serious consequences such as fuselage separation during flight. Considering this risk, in order to ensure flight safety, it was decided to ban all C-130B type aircraft from all flight activities, including fire fighting missions, as of 2006. After the necessary repair and maintenance works were completed, the aircraft were reintroduced to the C-130 fleet to be used only for transport missions.

C-130 Hercules aircraft, which form the backbone of the Turkish Air Force's transport fleet, have been successfully operating in both strategic and tactical air transport missions for many years. Despite the numerical differences in different sources, it can be agreed that the fleet is an essential asset. The C-130E and C-130B variants in the inventory provide important clues about the average age of the aircraft and their modernisation needs. Despite the modernisation efforts to ensure the longevity of the aircraft, considering the rapid developments in aviation technologies, it can be said that the transition to new generation transport aircraft is inevitable. The Turkish Air Force's C-130E and C-130B aircraft are not equipped with the capability of aerial refuelling from refuelling aircraft. This situation limits the range and mission duration that these aircraft can cover in a single mission and constitutes a limiting factor in long range and long duration air operations.

The table shows some comparative characteristics of the last four models of the C-130 aircraft family

If a decision is taken to purchase the C-130J-30, the newest model of the C-130, and a contract is signed, it will take approximately 4.5-5 years to complete the production, delivery and integration processes. Therefore, meticulous planning in the procurement and modernisation of military aircraft is of great importance in terms of both cost effectiveness and operational success.

Differences between C-130B and C-130E

The C-130B and C-130E, two important members of the Lockheed C-130 Hercules family, attract attention with their differences as well as their similarities. Both models are designed for a wide range of missions such as tactical transport, paratroop landing, search and rescue and medical evacuation. However, the periods of their emergence and their design philosophies have created significant differences between them.

Engine Systems

C-130B and C-130E: Both models are equipped with Allison 4 x Allison T-56-A-15 turboprop engines. These engines are reliable power units that create the characteristic sound of the C-130 family and provide high thrust.

Fuel Capacity and Range

The airfoil and structural integrity of the C-130B are not designed for the additional load and aerodynamic effects caused by external fuel tanks. Therefore, it is not possible to integrate Sargent Fletcher type external fuel tanks with a capacity of 1,360 US gallons (5,100 litres). Structural limitations at the wing root and pylon attachment points prevent such a modification from being carried out safely.

Since the C-130E is optimised for long-range missions, it is designed to accommodate external fuel tanks. In this way, additional external fuel tanks can significantly increase flight time, enabling longer distances to be reached and heavier loads to be carried. As a result, the C-130E becomes an ideal platform for more flexible and long-range missions thanks to its external fuel carrying capacity.

Maximum Take-off Weight and Payload Capacity

C-130E: It has a higher maximum take-off weight than the C-130B due to additional fuel tanks and structural strengthening. This means more payload capacity.

C-130B: Although it does not have as high a maximum take-off weight as the C-130E, it has sufficient payload capacity for many missions.

In terms of physical dimensions, the C-130E is about 97 feet long, while the C-130B is about 96 feet long. Although the weights of both variants vary depending on their configurations, there is generally no significant weight difference. However, it should be noted that modifications and upgrades made during the service life of each aircraft may affect these differences.

Avionics Systems

C-130E: Generally has more advanced avionics systems than the C-130B. These systems increase the operational effectiveness of the aircraft by providing better navigation, communication and flight management features.

In summary, the C-130E can be considered as an improved version of the C-130B. Longer range, higher payload capacity and more advanced avionics systems make the C-130E a more versatile platform. However, the C-130B is still a reliable aircraft with sufficient performance for many missions.

Modernisation of C-130 Hercules Aircraft: Project Erciyes

Serving in the Turkish Air Force inventory for many years, C-130 Hercules aircraft play an important role in both transport and special missions. However, in line with the rapid developments in aviation technologies and increasing operational requirements, the need for modernisation of these aircraft has become inevitable. In this context, the Erciyes Project, initiated by Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI), aims to extend the life of the C-130 fleet until 2040, increase its capabilities and make significant contributions to the Turkish defence industry.

Purpose and Scope of the Erciyes Project

The Erciyes Project updates the existing technological infrastructure of the C-130 Hercules aircraft to increase their mission distribution. Within the scope of the project, new generation avionic systems, advanced communication systems and electronic warfare systems are being integrated to the aircraft. In this way, C-130s will be able to operate in a wider range of missions with higher precision and accuracy. The renewed aircraft will be named as C-130BM and C-130EM.

Modernisation of Avionic Systems: Aircraft cockpits have been completely redesigned and equipped with new generation display and control systems that allow pilots to perform their flight missions more effectively and safely. This advanced cockpit technology, which is fully compatible with Night Vision Goggles (NVG), provides uninterrupted and reliable navigation in day, night and all weather conditions. In this way, the operational capabilities of the aircraft at night have been significantly increased, the workload of the pilots has been reduced and the stress factor that may be experienced during night flights has been minimised. In addition, sensitive missions such as paratroopers and cargo dropping at low altitude at night can be performed with a higher safety margin. The night lighting in the cockpit, when used in conjunction with the GGG, provides a lighting environment that does not affect the pilots' night vision, does not increase eye fatigue and increases mission awareness.

Mission Computer Upgrade: Next generation mission computers will increase the mission effectiveness of the aircraft and can be integrated with more advanced sensors.

Upgrading Communication Systems: Aircraft equipped with new generation communication systems will be able to communicate more effectively with other platforms and accelerate information sharing. Thanks to the MIDS Terminal integrated into the aircraft within the scope of the project, they are equipped with the Link-16 tactical data link system. In this way, C-130BM/EM aircraft, E-7T HIK aircraft, modernised F-16s and command and control elements were able to share information and coordinate in real time. In 2020, the effectiveness of this system was successfully tested in an exercise off the coast of Libya. Link-16 integration provides aircraft with operational compatibility with other platforms, enabling audio, video and written communication. It also enables the secure transmission of sensitive information through highly encrypted text messages.

C-130 Hercules aircraft typically have a crew of five, consisting of two pilots (captain pilot and second pilot), a navigator, a flight engineer and a loadmaster. Within the scope of the ERCİYES modernisation project developed by TAI engineers in Turkey, the duties of the navigator have been automated thanks to the advanced flight management system (FMS) integrated into the C-130BM/EM models. As a result, the aircraft crew was reduced to four people and operational efficiency was increased.

In order to assess the level of modernisation of the C-130 fleet in the Turkish Armed Forces inventory within the scope of the Erciyes Modernisation Project, it would be useful to examine the crew structure of the C-130J Hercules, the most recent variant of the C-130 series. The C-130J, thanks to its advanced avionics and automation systems, does not require the flight engineer and navigator positions that are assigned to older models. The basic crew of the aircraft consists of three people, two pilots and a loadmaster. The pilots are responsible for maintaining flight control of the aircraft during all phases of the flight, performing navigation tasks and ensuring flight safety. The loadmaster, on the other hand, is responsible for the safe placement and securing of the loads on the aircraft and for the complete implementation of the necessary procedures during the flight.

The above image shows the cockpit of a Turkish Air Force C-130E Hercules aircraft before it was modernised as part of the Erciyes Modernisation Project. The photograph provides a reference point to better understand the significant improvements made to the aircraft's avionics systems as a result of the modernisation work.

The above image shows the modernised cockpit of the C-130E Hercules aircraft of the Turkish Air Force within the scope of the Erciyes Modernisation Project. With these modernisation works, the avionic systems of the aircraft have been updated, significantly increasing the mission effectiveness of the pilots and the overall performance of the aircraft.

In the cockpit of a US Air Force (USAF) C-130J Hercules aircraft stationed at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, on 16 March 2012, Lieutenant Colonel Joshua Olson and Captain Marci Walton meticulously review a pre-flight checklist. 37th Airborne Squadron Commander Lieutenant Colonel Olson and Squadron Instructor Pilot Captain Walton have returned to base following a week-long airborne exercise in Grafenwoehr, Germany. During this exercise, airdrop operations were conducted using a ten-pack container delivery system. Photo taken by Sergeant Chris Willis.

Project Erciyes is a comprehensive modernisation programme that aims to extend the life of the C-130 Hercules aircraft in the Turkish Air Force's inventory and significantly increase the operational availability of the platform. Through avionic modernisation, mission computer upgrades and structural strengthening, the project optimised the aircraft's flight safety, maximised mission effectiveness and minimised maintenance costs. As a result, the Turkish Air Force's capacity in a wide range of missions such as air transport, search and rescue, medical evacuation and special operations will be significantly strengthened. In addition, thanks to the project, the know-how and technological level of our domestic defence industry has been increased and a significant investment has been made in the independence of our country in this field. In the project, which covers a total of 19 aircraft, the modernisation process of 11 aircraft has been successfully completed as of November 2022, and the modernisation of the remaining aircraft continues on schedule.

The CN-235-100, C-130 Hercules and A400M Atlas aircraft in the inventory of the Turkish Air Force significantly increase air transport capabilities with their complementary features. The compatible use of these three platforms provides a more effective and flexible solution to the logistics, humanitarian aid, military transport and other operational requirements of the Turkish Armed Forces. In particular, the tactical airlift and multi-mission capability of the CN-235-100, the medium-range airlift and special operations versatility of the C-130 Hercules, and the strategic airlift and heavy lift capability of the A400M Atlas give the Turkish Air Force an edge in a wide range of missions.

The C-130 Hercules and A400M Atlas complementarily strengthen the Turkish Air Force's tactical and strategic airlift capabilities. The C-130‘s tactical and strategic capabilities in air transport, its superior performance in special missions and operations, and the A400M's effectiveness in long-range, high-capacity strategic air transport missions expand the Turkish Armed Forces’ mission capability and increase mission success. The versatile configuration options of both platforms strengthen the capability to adapt quickly and flexibly to changing operational requirements.

The combined use of C-130 and A400M aircraft provides significant efficiency gains in the logistics processes of the Turkish Air Force. The strategic airlift capability of the A400M and the flexibility of the C-130 in tactical and special operations make mission allocation efficient, reducing logistics costs and increasing the overall efficiency of the air transport system. In this way, the Turkish Air Force gains the ability to respond to different operational requirements more quickly and flexibly.

Thanks to the modernisation of the C-130 fleet and the investments made in the A400M fleet, the Turkish Air Force is strengthening its air transport capacity and making it capable of responding more effectively to the complex operational scenarios of the future. In this way, the Turkish Air Force closely follows technological developments, plays a more effective role in the international arena and makes significant contributions to national security.