Former Belgian C-130s to Join Pakistan Air Force

[Abbas Ali]

According to news sources:

Former Belgian Air Component (Belgian Air Force) Lockheed C-130H Hercules transport aircraft construction number 382-4483 built in 1972 has been painted in full Pakistan Air Force (PAF) colours.

This C-130 was delivered to Belgian Air Component in April 1973 and served under serial number CH-12 with No. 20 Squadron.

Here's June 2021 photo of the same aircraft:


EBFS - 24/06/2021 by Jean-Claude Geboes, on Flickr

The aircraft painted in full PAF markings with PAF serial number 4483 taped over with Belgian serial CH-12 has been spotted at Brussels Airport, Belgium, in June 2022.

Lockheed C-130H Hercules is being replaced by Airbus A400M Atlas in Belgian Air Component.


Belgian Air Force C-130 (CH-12) passing the hand to brand new A400M's in Melsbroek ! by Simon Van Assche Photography, on Flickr

PAF has been operating C-130 aircraft since 1963.

Abbas

[arshad.altaf]

The cost must be a factor in acquiring an almost 50 years old aircraft.

Arshad

[Abbas Ali]

Most likely it's an upgraded C-130 with extended life and/or airframe with significant number of flight hours/cycles remaining.

Abbas

[Abbas Ali]

According to news sources:

Former Belgian Air Component (Belgian Air Force) Lockheed C-130H Hercules transport aircraft construction number 382-4479 built in 1972 has been painted in full Pakistan Air Force (PAF) colours.

This C-130 was delivered to Belgian Air Component in March 1973 and served under serial number CH-09 with No. 20 Squadron.

Here's December 2020 photo of the same aircraft:

Belgian Air Force C130H CH-09 BRU/EBBR/EBMB by Jeremy De Winter, on Flickr

The aircraft has been observed in full PAF markings with PAF serial number 4479 taped over with Belgian serial CH-09.


CH-09 Lockheed C-130H ex Belgian Defence @BRU pre-delivery to Pakistan Air Force as 4479 by l Luluhuhu, on Flickr

PAF has been operating C-130 aircraft since 1963.

Abbas

[inducedrag]

Oldest C130 operating with PAF approximately what age ?

[Abbas Ali]

Oldest active C-130 in PAF inventory is probably aircraft serial number 3536 built in 1959.



Oldest active L-100 (civilian variant of C-130) in PAF inventory is aircraft serial number 4144 built in 1966. It's believed to be the oldest active L-100 in the world.



Abbas

[Amaad Lone]

its pathetic buying 50 year old equipment.

These planes must be very inefficient in fuel consumption.

Why does our air force need C-130s?? Why not use trains for transport of goods within Pakistan.

[ammad]

Buying 50 year old museum worthy trash doesn't make any sense.

Not sure about political impact, but PAF should only be considering C-17 Globe master for heavy lifting and should get out of C130, running and managing 60 years old Aircraft kind of mindset

[Amaad Lone]

Royal Air Force is retiring its fleet of 14 C-130Js in 2023.

These planes were delivered in 1999.

PAF should try to get these planes to replace their 50-55 year old C-130B/Es

Maybe we should ask RAF to give us the C-130s for compensation for stealing the Kohinoor diamond. LOL.

[AP-BGL]

Buying 50 year old museum worthy trash doesn't make any sense.

Not sure about political impact, but PAF should only be considering C-17 Globe master for heavy lifting and should get out of C130, running and managing 60 years old Aircraft kind of mindset

Cost Sir, Cost!! C17 is one heavy and too expensive machine.

[Abbas Ali]

Oldest active C-130 in PAF inventory is probably aircraft serial number 3536 built in 1959.



Aircraft serial 3536 when overhauled in 2017 was the 50th C-130 overhaul work performed by PAF engineers.



PAF C-130/L-100 aircraft serial numbers:

C-130B serial number 3536
C-130B serial number 3689
C-130B serial number 3702
C-130B serial number 3751
C-130B serial number 3766
C-130E serial number 4119
L-100 serial number 4144
C-130E serial number 4148
C-130E serial number 4153
C-130E serial number 4159
C-130E serial number 4171
C-130E serial number 4177
C-130E serial number 4178
C-130E serial number 4189
C-130E serial number 4282

Majority of them built in 1960s.

Abbas

[AP-BGL]

Abbas, what is the major difference between the B and the H variant of C130s?

[Abbas Ali]

Information on Wikipedia:

C-130B

The C-130B model was developed to complement the A-models that had previously been delivered, and incorporated new features, particularly increased fuel capacity in the form of auxiliary tanks built into the center wing section and an AC electrical system. Four-bladed Hamilton Standard propellers replaced the Aeroproducts three-blade propellers that distinguished the earlier A-models. The C-130B had ailerons operated by hydraulic pressure that was increased from 2,050 psi (14.1 MPa) to 3,000 psi (21 MPa), as well as uprated engines and four-blade propellers that were standard until the J-model.

C-130E

The extended-range C-130E model entered service in 1962 after it was developed as an interim long-range transport for the Military Air Transport Service. Essentially a B-model, the new designation was the result of the installation of 1,360 US gal (5,150 L) Sargent Fletcher external fuel tanks under each wing's midsection and more powerful Allison T56-A-7A turboprops. The hydraulic boost pressure to the ailerons was reduced back to 2,050 psi (14.1 MPa) as a consequence of the external tanks' weight in the middle of the wingspan. The E model also featured structural improvements, avionics upgrades and a higher gross weight.

C-130H

The C-130H model has updated Allison T56-A-15 turboprops, a redesigned outer wing, updated avionics and other minor improvements. Later H models had a new, fatigue-life-improved, center wing that was retrofitted to many earlier H-models.

Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lockheed_ ... d_versions

[Abbas Ali]

Former Belgian Air Component (Belgian Air Force) Lockheed C-130H Hercules (Manufacturer's Serial Number/MSN 382-4483) in full Pakistan Air Force (PAF) markings with serial number 4483 photographed at Brussels Airport, Belgium, on July 25, 2022. Civilian registration allocated to this aircraft is AP-XAX.


Pakistan Air Force - Lockheed C130H Hercules - 4483 - BRU EBBR EBMB by Jeremy De Winter, on Flickr


Pakistan Air Force - Lockheed C130H Hercules - 4483 - BRU EBBR EBMB by Jeremy De Winter, on Flickr


Pakistan Air Force - Lockheed C130H Hercules - 4483 - BRU EBBR EBMB by Jeremy De Winter, on Flickr

7 former Belgian Air Force C-130s will be transferred to Pakistan Air Force.

Belgian Air Force C-130H CH-01 MSN 382-4455 to Pakistan Air Force 4455 built in 1972.
Belgian Air Force C-130H CH-04 MSN 382-4467 to Pakistan Air Force 4467 built in 1972.
Belgian Air Force C-130H CH-05 MSN 382-4470 to Pakistan Air Force 4470 built in 1972.
Belgian Air Force C-130H CH-07 MSN 382-4476 to Pakistan Air Force 4476 built in 1972.
Belgian Air Force C-130H CH-09 MSN 382-4479 to Pakistan Air Force 4479 built in 1972.
Belgian Air Force C-130H CH-11 MSN 382-4482 to Pakistan Air Force 4482 built in 1972.
Belgian Air Force C-130H CH-12 MSN 382-4483 to Pakistan Air Force 4483 built in 1972.

Abbas

[Abbas Ali]

Former Belgian Air Component (Belgian Air Force) Lockheed C-130H Hercules (Manufacturer's Serial Number/MSN 382-4479) in full Pakistan Air Force (PAF) markings with serial number 4479 photographed at Brussels Airport, Belgium, on August 1, 2022. Civilian registration allocated to this aircraft is AP-XAV.

Pakistan Air Force - Lockheed C130H Hercules - 4479 - BRU EBBR EBMB by Jeremy De Winter, on Flickr

7 former Belgian Air Force C-130s will be transferred to Pakistan Air Force.

Belgian Air Force C-130H CH-01 MSN 382-4455 to Pakistan Air Force 4455.
Belgian Air Force C-130H CH-04 MSN 382-4467 to Pakistan Air Force 4467.
Belgian Air Force C-130H CH-05 MSN 382-4470 to Pakistan Air Force 4470.
Belgian Air Force C-130H CH-07 MSN 382-4476 to Pakistan Air Force 4476.
Belgian Air Force C-130H CH-09 MSN 382-4479 to Pakistan Air Force 4479.
Belgian Air Force C-130H CH-11 MSN 382-4482 to Pakistan Air Force 4482.
Belgian Air Force C-130H CH-12 MSN 382-4483 to Pakistan Air Force 4483.

Abbas