NEW CASTLE AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, Del. -- As part of a major fleet upgrade, the 166th Airlift Wing received the first of seven C-130H3 Hercules model aircraft on 28-June-2023. This aircraft, formerly of the Georgia Air National Guard is the start of a major upgrade to the Delaware Air National Guard’s Fleet of 1991 vintage H2.5 models.
There to witness the aircraft’s landing were students from the Delaware AeroSpace Education Foundation, a summer program for middle school students focused on learning the basics of aerospace technology. The students were there for a base tour.
On 29-June, the Wing Commander ordered an all-call for base personnel to see the new aircraft for the first time. There were also two promotion ceremonies held in the aircraft's cargo bay.
“The C-130H 3.0 aircraft represents the cutting edge of technology innovation for the H-model fleet, and it will play a vital role in furthering our mission. This state-of-the-art addition will not only enhance our capabilities but also provide us with increased readiness and training opportunities,” said Col Lynn K. Robinson, Commander, 166th Airlift Wing.
Significant differences between the two models can be found in the eight-bladed carbon fiber propellers and in the avionics packages. Avionics package improvements in the H3 include ring laser gyroscopes for the inertial navigation system, GPS receivers, night vision device compatible instrument lighting, and an integrated radar and missile warning system.
“The flight from Savannah was great,” said 166th Operations Group Commander Lt Col Andrew Sides. “The H3 is quieter, smoother, and more responsive. A real dream to fly.”
Over the next several weeks, the 166th Airlift Wing will rotate in the rest of the H3 fleet.