Then, early on Sunday 4 August, NZ7572 was noted departing Rockhampton Airport for RAAF Base Amberley again as "Kiwi 399". It later returned to Whenuapai.
Meanwhile, also arriving into Rockhampton Airport, also on Saturday 3 August, was fellow RNZAF Lockheed C-130H Hercules NZ7004 which visited Rockhampton Airport once again, this time arriving from New Zealand as "Kiwi 594".
It too spent the night and was also noted departing Rockhampton Airport early on Sunday 4 August, and it looked to return to New Zealand.
Of interest, both the B757-200 and the C-130H Hercules are flown by the RNZAF’s No. 40 Squadron based at RNZAF Base Auckland at Whenuapai.
They fly two second-hand Boeing B757-200s that were purchased from Transavia in 2003, which are operated in transport, freight, cargo and troop movement roles. They can also be converted for medical use in emergencies. Their registrations are NZ7571 and NZ7572. While five C-130H Hercules transport aircraft - of which three were directly acquired from the USA in 1965 - NZ7001, NZ7002, NZ7003 - while the other two aircraft - NZ7004 and NZ7005 - were acquired in 1968. All are flown and used extensively carrying freight, troops, and providing humanitarian relief to countries all over the world.
The Lockheed Martin C-130J Super Hercules was announced as the replacement for the C-130Hs in June this year. The RNZAF opted for the stretched C-130J-30 model that has an extra 4.6 metre longer fuselage, providing space for an additional two pallets or extra freight. The aircraft will be delivered by 2023.
Meanwhile, a decision on the replacement aircraft for the Boeing B757-200s will be made in 2021.
All photos taken by Steve Vit ©
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