Here's an interesting historical photograph

And how long the B-17 (or PB-1G) stayed in service also. (1960 photo?)

The Herc is older than me by just a few years. Absolutely amazing. I'll bet even the older ones are in better shape than me:icon_lol:
 
The photo is from Air Station Elizabeth City, NC. 7254 was the last serving PB-1G (1945 through 1959). The PB-1Gs did so some SAR work but were more involved in the international ice patrol. 7254 could have been kept around for training purposes at the school but I doubt she would have been left on the flight line for that, so I'm guessing this is 1958-59.
 
CWOJackson</SPAN>: Totally awesome picture! As a youth growing up in Southern California in the 1950's and 1960's, there were many flying forts used to suppress wild fires every summer in the surrounding mountains. None are left I think but some C-130's are being used now. You have posted a picture of 2 great workhorses from Boeing and Lockheed. Undoubtedly both are aircraft of distinction.

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You guys are missing the C-131 in the back. They lasted quite a while as well.

As for the Herk, most older aircraft have been retired. The fleet has suffered from wing box cracks. The last of the E-models is scheduled to be retired by October. Some of the H1s are even in the boneyard, meaning (with noteable exceptions) that the mid-70's models will soon be the oldest in the USAF fleet. The H2s and H3s are expected to be upgraded under the AMP program and soldier on for another 20 years.

As for the J, who knows how long they'll be around.
 
Panther_99FS said:
And now we have the C-130J & C-27J....
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Yep. The verdict is still out on the C-27J with many pilots as there is some concern how it will perform low and slow in bad weather. They know they can't rip the wings off the C-130 and the C-27J doesn't "look" as sturdy. Part of that is a distrust with the acquisition side of the house and for reason.

I'm more optimistic with the C-27J but my butt won't be in it. They only have six C-130J's and the rest of the fleet is OLD. I think (hope) the C-27J will be a good fit.
 
Railrunner130 said:
You guys are missing the C-131 in the back. They lasted quite a while as well.

As for the Herk, most older aircraft have been retired. The fleet has suffered from wing box cracks. The last of the E-models is scheduled to be retired by October. Some of the H1s are even in the boneyard, meaning (with noteable exceptions) that the mid-70's models will soon be the oldest in the USAF fleet. The H2s and H3s are expected to be upgraded under the AMP program and soldier on for another 20 years.

As for the J, who knows how long they'll be around.
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There were quite a few HU-16Es there up until the late up till they grounded the last one. I know they were still flying them out of E-City in the mid/late 70s but with a water landing restriction.
 
USCG Current doesnt use the C27J, we only could wish. Where stuck with the HC144, a CASA 235.
 
CG_1976 said:
USCG Current doesnt use the C27J, we only could wish. Where stuck with the HC144, a CASA 235.
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The CASA is okay for the log run to Borinquen. No experience with the HC-144 but personally, it would probably be good for log runs as well. For SAR?

That's the problem with the acquisition side of the CG. When they needed a replacement for the HU-16E (fly low, slow and forever) they selected the HU-25 (fly high, fast and for four hours). Now the HC-144 is replacing the HU-25. It can fly low, slow and forever and will be good for a lot of missions but I'm not sure heavy weather SAR will be one of them.
 
Looking at the USCG stations, the HC144 operates out of Mobile. The C130's are the main go to for heavy weather SAR, especially Alaska and the West Coast. To answer the HC144 CASA Vs C27J one would have to exam the Canadian Armed Forces. The CAF has strict SAR and transport req's for aircraft. They must have range, durability and put up with the nasty arctic and its variables. I saw one trial in Canada and both the C27 and HC144 hated the day -65F and Phase 1 blow. But the CC138 Twin Otters love it and are very reliable. Up there you can always count on the 440Sq's cheese boxes, no matter what old mother nature throws.
 
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