Identify this C-130

[Belvedere]

Can anybody identify this C-130? Spotted over Castle Combe today. The pods fore and aft have me stumped.

upload pictures

[davepoth]

A quick google suggests they're standard features of a C130K in RAF service.



It didn't reveal what they're for though.

[tog]

They certainly don't all have the pods, I think it's just the SAS-issue Hercs, used for secret squirrel stuff.

[tank slapper]

They are anti-missile countermeasure pods. They target incoming infra-red guided missiles with a laser to try and blind their sensors.

[DuraAce]

tog said:

They certainly don't all have the pods, I think it's just the SAS-issue Hercs, used for secret squirrel stuff.

No such thing as SAS issue. They're used for all sorts of things, none are dedicated purely for SF duty.

The rear 'pods' will be IR counter measures. The front pod (not shown in the second picture, but shown in the first one) is the FLIR turret, an infra-red camera. Not all UK C130 have the FLIR fitted.

[tog]

DuraAce said:

none are dedicated purely for SF duty

True, but maybe the ones so equipped are more likely to be useful to them, depending on mission requirements

[Simpo Two]

'fore and aft' had me foxed for a while.

[steve j]

L.A.I.R.C.M. Large aircraft infra red counter measures

[SavanP]

Definitely a C130K. Older engines and its a short variant.

[SavanP]

tank slapper said:

They are anti-missile countermeasure pods. They target incoming infra-red guided missiles with a laser to try and blind their sensors.

This is correct. OP said fore and aft which confused me to which pods.

But the pods on the fuse at the rear are for scrambling missles that have locked onto the aircraft.

[Fluid]

SavanP said:

Definitely a C130K. Older engines and its a short variant.

Mk1.