The Royal Australian Air Force's C-130J fleet was acquired in 1999, but it was not fitted with electronic warfare self-protection systems. When C-130Hs deployed to the Middle East in early 2003, 37 Squadron had only just begun training its C-130J crews in tactical procedures. Thus when Middle East operations were extended into 2004, 36 Squadron's C-130Hs remained in the Middle East on an extended deployment because there wasn't a replacement force. This placed great pressure on 36 Squadron's training system, and by early 2004 it was apparent that C-130Js needed to be modified with self-protection equipment and 37 Squadron's crews had to be trained for combat operations.
This episode features Justin Ryder who was a C-130J captain in 2004. He relates the C-130J upgrade program and his experiences in the Middle East during the C-130J's first full deployment into a combat environment. His tales include being engaged by an S-60 and a complete avionics failure during a departure out of an Iraqi airfield. He also discusses his later experiences as an air-air refueling captain.
(Note: This podcast series will now be shifting to a monthly publication cycle, commencing 1 April).
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