Ex RAAF C-130H Hercules A97-009 Spotted Being Prepared for Indonesian Air Force (TNI-AU) as A-1331

Local plane spotter Dave captured an interesting aircraft arriving into Townsville Airport last week in the form of a rather plain looking Lockheed C-130H Hercules. The Hercules is in fact one of the nine C-130H that have been retired from service by the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) and are in the process of being transferred to the Indonesian Air Force (TNI-AU). It was arriving into Townsville reportedly for painting prior to delivery to Indonesia.

Photo taken by Dave  ©

This Herc was noted wearing the TNI-AU serial of A-1331.

Photo taken by Dave  ©

Research reveals that this particular C-130H served with the RAAF as A97-009 – an aircraft spotted occasionally calling into Rockhampton Airport, particularly around the time of military exercises.

A97-009 at Rockhampton Airport in 2011  (File photo)

The RAAF retired its last C-130H model Hercules in November 2012, after 34 years of service. The RAAF still has 12 of the newer C-130J model Hercules in service.

A97-009 at Rockhampton Airport in 2011  (File photo)

The Indonesian Air Force (TNI-AU) has 15 C-130s in service, including C-130B and C-130H-model examples, and four commercial L-100 versions.

Thanks to Dave in Townsville for capturing those great images of such a unique aircraft - and thanks to too for highlighting the link to Central Queensland!