Shows
Workhorse - RAAF C-130sWorkhorse - E55 - Engine Fire with Ben ChartersIn mid-March 1997, the yacht Queen Charlotte was being skippered from New Zealand to Japan by Australian Bob Cornell, with four passengers. On 19 March, the yacht was located approximately 600 nm east of Cairns when it ran into Cyclone Justin and its emergency position-indicating radio beacon (EPIRB) was activated. In response, Ben Charters and his crew from 37 Squadron flew A97-181 on a search-and-rescue mission. This episode details that mission and the consequent engine fire that caused the crew to believe they would have to ditch in the cyclone. Ben also recounts his career with some focus on his time as...2025-06-271h 31Workhorse - RAAF C-130sWorkhorse - E54 - Flight Engineers with Tony HallThis episode features a wide-ranging discussion of the flight engineer category and its place on the C-130 Hercules. Tony Hall also covers his operational C-130 experience, along with his transition onto Caribous and then as a Loadmaster on C-130Js. The discussion ranges into:RAAF B-707 operations based in Kyrgyzstan (where Tony was an Operations Officer)Impact of the Safety system on Flight Engineer authorisationsThe latter years of C-130H operations in the RAAFRAAF consideration of having a FLTENG on the C=130JDemise of the FLTENG musteringTransition to Loadmaster2025-05-311h 40Workhorse - RAAF C-130sWorkhorse - E53 - Innovation with Gav NicholsonGav Nicholson recounts his involvement with systems integration on RAAF C-130Hs during the late 1990s to the late 2000s, including electronic warfare self-protection, the FMS-800 flight management system, and other modifications of that era. Also discussed are PNG operations, Operations Falconer (Iraq 2003), Shaddock (PNG), Catalyst (Iraq, as C-130J Detachment Commander) and a mission on Spitfire (East Timor) during which his crew flew an evacuation with 180 people onboard a C-130H.2025-04-281h 18Workhorse - RAAF C-130sWorkhorse - E52 - Formation Lead with Andrew ElliottRoyal Australian Air Force C-130s airdrop parachutists and equipment to force project Australian military capabilities. C-130s flew in formation as a tactic to concentrate Army parachutists on a target area as quickly as possible (thereby minimising the risk to the paratroopers and aircraft). In this episode of 'Workhorse', Andrew "Stretch" Elliott discusses the many factors that formation lead pilots considered when leading C-130s to a formation airdrop.He also covers his experiences training for fighter evasion on night vision goggles, planning for operations in East Timor (1999), and his role in developing procedures f...2025-03-291h 25Workhorse - RAAF C-130sWorkhorse - E51 - Somalia and PNG with Graham JohnsonGraham 'Johno' 'Johno1' 'Kramer' Johnson flew C-130Hs on a variety of operations from 1989 to 1999, including Operations Solace (Somalia 1993), Immune (Pilot Strike 1989) and Ples Drei (PNG famine 1998), all of which he discusses in this episode.Johno also discusses the differences between pushing crew training to the boundaries of aircraft limits and when that transitions into unauthorised flying.2025-03-032h 17Workhorse - RAAF C-130sWorkhorse - E50 - C-130J Goes Tactical with Justin RyderThe 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...2025-02-211h 34Workhorse - RAAF C-130sWorkhorse - E49 - Extended Range Surveillance with Michael PhillipsReports arising in 1996 from Australian-flagged fishing vessels indicated the presence of dozens of Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated fishing vessels in the Heard Island and McDonald Islands Exclusive Economic Zone. In response, the Australian Fisheries Management Authority (AFMA) sought an enforcement action and requested Defence assistance with search, reconnaissance and apprehension. The first of these ADF missions took place under the name Operation Dirk, and it was enabled by the installation of internal fuel tanks on RAAF C-130Hs. This episode features Michael 'Rocky' Phillips, who was deeply involved in preparing for and then flying these long-range surveillance m...2025-02-061h 29Workhorse - RAAF C-130sWorkhorse - E48 - Test Flight at the North Pole with Matt HegartyThe FMS-800 flight management system was installed on RAAF C-130Hs in 1999 under Project AIR 5195. The FMS-800 delivered a range of enhanced capabilities for C-130Hs making them even more ideally suited for the Airborne Operations and Special Operations support roles. These capabilities included GPS precision navigation, airdrop navigation, receiver autonomous-integrity monitoring (RAIM), jamming protection, and it was integrated with the Litton 92 inertial navigation system, APN-241 radar and the flight director. The FMS-800 came with a hefty training and test and evaluation bill. In this episode, retired Air Commodore Matt Hegarty recalls the two test flights he f...2025-01-241h 19Workhorse - RAAF C-130sWorkhorse - E47 - 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami with Charlie SiedentopfOn 26 December 2004, an earthquake measuring 9.2 on the Richter scale struck north of Simeulue Island in the Indian Ocean. The earthquake lifted an estimated 30 cubic kilometres of water which radiated from the epicentre devasting coastal communities around the Indian Ocean. Banda Aceh was hardest hit, and the RAAF responded immediately.This episode features 36 Squadron pilot Charlie Siedentopf who flew one of the first two RAAF C-130s into Banda Aceh. He recounts the devastation, suffering and urgency to help the thousands of disaster victims.Charlie also relates his experience as C-130 Detachment Commander in Iraq 2004 and...2025-01-1055 minWorkhorse - RAAF C-130sWorkhorse - E46 - 2002 Bali Bombing with Peter KennedyWARNING: This episode discusses a graphic account of the 2002 Bali bombing and related PTSD issues.On 12 Oct 2002 two bombs exploded in the Kuta district, Bali, Indonesia, destroying two popular night clubs – Paddy’s Irish Bar and the nearby Sari Club – showering the patrons with shrapnel and causing fierce fires at both sites. More than 500 people were either killed or injured in the blasts; 202 died from their injuries (88 were Australian). RAAF C-130s were central to Australia's response, conducting 14 aeromedical evacuation flights.Peter 'Kenno' Kennedy was a C-130 loadmaster, and he crewed the second RAAF C-130 into D...2024-12-2754 minWorkhorse - RAAF C-130sWorkhorse - E45 - Taking fire in Iraq with Anthony LockRoyal Australian Air Force C-130s arrived in Doha 11 February 2003 to support Australian, US and Coalition efforts as part of the US-led invasion of Iraq. In this episode of 'Workhorse', Anthony 'Locky' Lock describes his role as a Liaison Officer supporting Australian Special Forces air mobility requirements during the early stages of Operation Falconer and his deployment on Operation Catalyst (mid-2004). In particular, he details his experience as the C-130H aircraft captain during the mission of 27 June 2004 when Joseph Arguelles (a US contractor) was killed by ground fire while being flown as a passenger in A97-0...2024-12-121h 21Workhorse - RAAF C-130sWorkhorse - E44 - Afghanistan Jan 2002 with Rob SokolIn early January 2002, Rob 'Soky' Sokel captained the first RAAF C-130 mission to Afghanistan - under Operation Catalyst. In this episode you can hear Soky describing this epic mission with all its challenges:Scrounging for equipmentBeing hit by lightningUnable to pay contracted support agencies (loading and fuel)Making a wrong turn and being confronted by armed guardsRunning late for their slot time into the area of operationsA leaking fuel tankA bombed out runwayFailing communications equipmentAn APU fire indication in KandaharBeing shot atDiverting for fuelEtc.What an amazing story!2024-11-291h 09Workhorse - RAAF C-130sWorkhorse - E43 - OP Vista - Cambodia - with Dave Steel and Jon KainOn 2 July 1997 civil war erupted in Cambodia. Nations rushed to evacuate non-combatants. This episode details the Australian evacuation which was conducted by 36 Squadron, under the name Operation Vista. This marked the first use of C-130H electronic warfare equipment on an operation. The discussion with Dave Steel and Jon Kain focuses on the last flight of the operation which they flew in a thunderstorm using night vision goggles.2024-11-161h 18Workhorse - RAAF C-130sWorkhorse - E42 - PNG Tsunami and Bougainville with Richard LennonThis episode features retired Air Commodore Richard 'Yoko' Lennon discussing his career along with C-130 operations in Bougainville (Lagoon, Usherette, and Bel Isi) and northern PNG in the aftermath of the 1998 tsunami at Sissano Lagoon (Operation Shaddock). Richard also discusses his command perspectives on Operations Padang Assist (2009) and Yasi Assist (2012), which took place while he was Officer Commanding 86 Wing.2024-10-311h 28Workhorse - RAAF C-130sWorkhorse - E41 - Timor and Middle East with Darren GoldieThis episode features the career of retired Air Marshal Darren Goldie, a C-130 E, H and J pilot who became Commanding Officer 37 Squadron and later Air Commander Australia. The discussion covers Australia's C-130 contributions to UN operations in East Timor during the latter half of 1999, as well as C-130J operations in the Middle East from 2003.2024-10-191h 07Workhorse - RAAF C-130sWorkhorse - E40 - Haybales and AME with Jack FoleyIn this episode, John 'Jack' 'Axel' Foley discusses his career in the C-130 world, including:- Haybale drops during the 1990 floods- A very unique AME out of Mount Hagen, PNG- Op Vista- Command in the Middle East and at 285SQN2024-10-031h 15Workhorse - RAAF C-130sWorkhorse - E39 - MARSURV vs the Pong Su with Nick McCowanThe Pong Su was a drug-running freighter that was chased down by Australian authorities and apprehended under the ADF's Operation Tartan (2003). That operation required 24/7 surveillance, and 36 Squadron participated by conducting two maritime surveillance missions with one of its C-130Hs (A97-006).In this episode, Nick McCowan relates his mission on Operation Tartan, along with tales from his RAF career and his time as a Special Operations Check Captain at 36 Squadron.(And, apologies for the audio quality. Note to self: Ensure the interviewee is not using an iPhone as the microphone!)2024-09-201h 04Workhorse - RAAF C-130sWorkhorse - E38 - Late 90s Strategy and C-130J Acquisition with Tony KempnichThis episode details the impact of John Howard's shift in defence strategy whereby the ADF was called upon to re-engage in a more forceful manner across the near region and globally. This eventually led to the ADF's long involvement in the Middle East.Concurrently, the C-130J was acquired and Tony Kempnich discusses the acquisition aspects as well training and OT&E of the new capability.2024-09-0654 minWorkhorse - RAAF C-130sWorkhorse - E37 - Isabelle Autissier SAR with Dean TetleyDuring the British Oxygen Company solo around-the-world yacht race, Isabelle Autissier departed the Kerguelen Islands on 17 December 1994, heading east to sail south of Australia. Her 60-foot boat, Ecureuil Poitou-Charentes II, sailed into stormy 60-knot winds and rough seas in the Southern Ocean, and both her masts snapped. She set off her EPIRB (emergency beacon) in the hope of being rescued. Dean 'T-bag' Tetley was the co-pilot on 37 Squadron's A97-167, and in this episode he recounts the tale of how his crew helped save Isabelle.T-bag also talks about his ingenious solution during the search...2024-08-241h 20Workhorse - RAAF C-130sWorkhorse - E36 - RAAF C-130s - Zuiho Maru SAR with Don SutherlandIn late July 1995 a Japanese fishing trawler, the Zuiho Maru, was wrecked on tiny St Paul Island in the southern reaches of the Indian Ocean. 36SQN was tasked to search for survivors and provide aid. Don Sutherland was the mission commander for this epic search and rescue mission. He recounts the mission in detail, along with covering the highlights of his career: Operations in the first Gulf War while on exchange with the US Air Force, PNG operations, Commanding Officer 36SQN and Officer Commanding 84WG.2024-08-091h 06Workhorse - RAAF C-130sWorkhorse - E35 - PNG and UN Ops 1987-97 with Paul NicholasUnder the Defence of Australia strategy of the 1980s and early 90s, Australia sought to maximise participation in UN operations. Paul 'Pearl' Nicholas (ex CO 36/37SQN) recounts his participation in UN flights to Africa (Ops Solace and Tamar), as well as his time in PNG and on exchange at Pope Air Force Base. Operations Lagoon (Bougainville), Carmine (Rabaul), Damask (Middle East) and Gemini (Cambodia) are also discussed.2024-07-261h 40Workhorse - RAAF C-130sWorkhorse - E34 - Special Ops Development with Greg Evans and John SamulskiThis episode dives into the details of how the Special Operations role evolved within 36SQN during the 1980s and 90s. Greg Evans and John Samulski provide great insight into the reasons for developing the SPECOPS role and how it evolved over time in the Royal Australian Air Force. The discussion roams across the tactics techniques and procedures (TTPs), role equipment, exercises, and aircraft modifications of the that era, along with employment of the SPECOPS and ABNOPS capabilities.2024-07-141h 37Workhorse - RAAF C-130sWorkhorse - E33 - OPs Sailcloth - Morris Dance - Immune with Peter WoodOperations in the Southwest Pacific during the late 1980s and early-mid 90s are discussed with C-130 pilot Peter 'Wedge' Wood, along with his experiences in Papua New Guinea and as Officer Commanding 84 Wing. Additionally, Wedge's experiences of Operation Immune are discussed at length.Operations covered include:Delivery of riot gear to Port VilaSailcloth - Vanuatu unrestMorris Dance - Fiji unrestImmune - 1989 Pilot strike2024-06-2858 minWorkhorse - RAAF C-130sWorkhorse - E32 - Maintenance 1975-1997 with David RichardsonDave 'Richo' Richardson discusses a broad range of maintenance topics spanning the 1975-1997 era, including:Corrosion and FatigueBoron fibre repairsC-130E wing repairsC-130E outer wing swapC-130H wing designPaint schemesElectronic warfare modificationsMaintenance reorganisationEngine sulphidationOperating cost reductions (removing wing tanks from C-130Hs, lower TIT settings)The 'rank tank'Litton INS installations24-ship formationNZ deep maintenance and the infamous flameouts2024-06-151h 02Workhorse - RAAF C-130sWorkhorse - E31 - Strategic Circumstances from mid 70s - mid 90sThis episode explores the 'Defence of Australia' years and how this strategy impacted C-130 operations. The impact of the Dibb Review is also discussed.2024-06-0114 minWorkhorse - RAAF C-130sWorkhorse - E30 - Unique Loads of the 70sThis short episode covers a few unique loads carried by Royal Australian Air Force C-130s in the 1970s and early 1980s. Included are:A bull taken to ChinaThe entombed warriors (China again)Stock to TongaA 3-day trip for a crocA giant pigDarwin Beer Can Regatta and, F-111 maintenance into Johnston Atoll2024-05-1916 minWorkhorse - RAAF C-130sWorkhorse - E29 - Airlift Competitions with Gary RobinsonThis episode covers off on three airlift competitions that RAAF C-130s won on several occasions: Volant Rodeo, Bullseye, and Air Tattoo. The details are discussed with retired WOFF Gary 'Robbo' Robinson, an ex 36SQN Loadmaster. Of note, Robbo was a crewmember on the only RAAF contingent to ever win 'Best Wing '- the top prize at Rodeo.Robbo also discusses his role as part of the crew that flew the aircraft in this podcast's photo - featuring a C-130H doing a flare dump.2024-05-0436 minWorkhorse - RAAF C-130sWorkhorse - E28 - Tactics and NVGs - with John SamulskiDuring the 1975-1986 era, the Australian Army reinvigorated Airborne Operations.With the drive to enhance airborne operations capabilities came the notion of operating C-130s into contested environments, and that meant improving RAAF C-130 tactics.Modern tactics development led 36SQN to consider electronic warfare, operating as low as they could, and using night vision goggles (NVGs).Retired Air Commodore John 'Sam' Samulski provides some insight into the tactics development of that era and how 36SQN introduced NVGs.2024-04-2142 minWorkhorse - RAAF C-130sWorkhorse - E27 - Airborne Ops Development - 1975-1986The advent of the 1976 White Paper came with a reduction in the ADF's combat operations, and an emphasis on preparedness for the defence of Australia. As a result, the ADF put a great deal of energy into exercising and developing combat skills and proficiency. This effort led to the re-establishment of a permanent Regular Army airborne operations capability (first with 6th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment, then 3 RAR) and along with those capabilities came C-130 tactics development.This is the story of that development. Featured are Exercises Perak Ginger, Distant Bridge, Just Cause (US invasion of Panama), Pelican's P...2024-04-0628 minWorkhorse - RAAF C-130sWorkhorse - E26 - Unique Missions - 1975-86This episode covers unique operations of the 1975-1986 era. These missions are all reflective of the flexibility inherent in the C-130 and Australia’s growing dependence on the Hercules to deliver a variety of effects. The missions covered include:Non-combatant Evacuation Operation (NEO) of TehranUN supply missions to the Middle East1981 Qantas strikeIntercepting a drug runner2024-03-2218 minWorkhorse - RAAF C-130sWorkhorse - E25 - SAR 1975-1986This episode looks at a handful of Search and Rescue missions in the 1975-1986 era, including the Nocturne (which also featured Sir Angus Houston), Charleston, and Matina.The episode also discusses the development of the helibox and the air-sea rescue kit (ASRK).2024-03-1013 minWorkhorse - RAAF C-130sWorkhorse - E24 - HADR 1975-1986From the mid 1970s, Australia's defence strategy shifted to 'Defence of Australia'. This resulted in more domestically-focused tasking and support to the near region for disaster relief and SARs. This episode covers some of the Humanitarian Assistance / Disaster Relief operations of that era, including the Moree Floods, Operation Ricebowl, and several cyclones.2024-02-2415 minWorkhorse - RAAF C-130sWorkhorse - E23 - AntarcticaThis episode details the history of Royal Australian Air Force operations in Antarctica with a focus on RAAF C-130 involvement, including airdrops at Macquarie Island.2024-02-1118 minWorkhorse - RAAF C-130sWorkhorse - E22 - Aerial FirefightingIn the early 1980s, 36SQN supported the Forest Commission Victoria by installing and operating a Modular Airborne Fire Fighting System (MAFFS). This episode details the circumstances leading to this decision, the operations that ensued, and the reasoning behind the cessation of the aerial fire fighting role.2024-01-2616 minWorkhorse - RAAF C-130sWorkhorse - E21 - C-130H Acquisition and C-130A DisposalThis Episode covers:The strategic circumstances that led to the RAAF's acquisition of the C-130HTechnical upgrades that came with the C-130HAcquisition and the early training for the C-130H capabilityThe C-130A disposal saga.2024-01-1519 minWorkhorse - RAAF C-130sWorkhorse - E20 - Maintenance, Boron Fibres, Bogging in 1965-75This episode covers a range of maintenance related tasks in the 1965-1975 era, including:Cargo Door bolt failuresBoron FibresWing corrosion and crackingBoggingRudder Kick-backThis is the last episode for 2023. Workhorse will return mid-Jan 2024 on a bi-2023-12-2219 minWorkhorse - RAAF C-130sWorkhorse - E19 - 1973 MAYDAY and SAR with Stu BryceThis episode features Stu Bryce who was captain of A97-160 when it had a catastrophic engine failure half-way between Hawaii and Pago Pago in 1973. Search and Rescue (SAR) doctrine is also covered, along with an explanation of why RAAF C-130s were given the SAR role in 1967.2023-12-1338 minWorkhorse - RAAF C-130sWorkhorse - RAAF C-130s - E18 - Floods, Hay Bales, and Tracy - with Tony RyanRetired Warrant Officer and Flight Engineer Tony Ryan features in this episode which focuses on domestic Australian Humanitarian Assistance/Disaster Relief (HADR) operations in the early 1970s. The large-scale floods of early 1971 and 1974 rivalled the floods of 2022. The ADF response was wide-ranging, including major commitments by RAAF C-130s and the introduction of hay bale dropping. Cyclones Althea (one of the biggest to ever hit Townsville) and Tracy (devastated Darwin) are also covered. In particular, the Cyclone Tracy response involved 19 C-130s and included very long crew days and a few interesting tales.2023-12-0655 minWorkhorse - RAAF C-130sWorkhorse - RAAF C-130s - E17 - HADR and ABNOPS in the 1965-75 EraThis episode covers Airborne Operations training and development in the 1965-75 era. Of note, the Australian Army's return to mass airdrop was initiated by 6RAR and supported by 36SQN in this era. Also covered is the role of Humanitarian Assistance/Disaster Relief, along with a look at some of the HADR Operations of that era in places like Indonesia and PNG.2023-11-3019 minWorkhorse - RAAF C-130sWorkhorse - RAAF C-130s - E16 - Early 1970s SE Asian Ops - Ian FrameThis Episode features guest Ian Frame. He covers RAAF C-130 operations in South East Asia from 1971 - 1975 (mostly Apr 1975). The operations discussed include:Weapons delivery to Cambodia in 1971Non-combatant Evacuation Operations at Phan RangOperation BabyliftHADR flights to An ThoiEvacuation of the Australian Embassy in SaigonHADR flights to Laos2023-11-2335 minWorkhorse - RAAF C-130sWorkhorse - RAAF C-130s - E15 - Vietnam Ops 1965-1972This episode is a general overview of Royal Australian Air Force C-130 operations in South East Asia during the 1965-1972 era. 2023-11-1614 minWorkhorse - RAAF C-130sWorkhorse - RAAF C-130s - E14 - AMEs in the 1965-75 EraThis episode discusses the C-130's suitability for Aeromedical Evacuations (AME) and how the RAAF's Hercules aircraft were employed in the AME role. In particular, Vietnam-related AMEs are discussed, including the transition from C-130As to C-130Es in the AME role.2023-11-0920 minWorkhorse - RAAF C-130sWorkhorse - RAAF C-130s - E13 - Why Vietnam? and Acquiring C-130EsThis episode looks at the situation in the mid-1960s by examining the circumstances that took Australia to Vietnam and the decision to acquire the C-130E.2023-11-0116 minWorkhorse - RAAF C-130sWorkhorse - RAAF C-130s - E12 - Dave Hitchins and Bob Heffernan - with ShortyThis episode features Bob 'Shorty' Heffernan talking about two C-130A Legends:Dave Hitchins, Commanding Officer 36SQN for four years, and - 'Shorty' himself! Shorty was a loadmaster and was key to the development of several airdrop innovations on C-130As.The discussion covers hay drops, Vietnam, AMEs, repatriation tasks, and airdrop.2023-10-2659 minWorkhorse - RAAF C-130sWorkhorse - RAAF C-130s - E11 - Early 1960s Maintenance, with Dave RichardsonRetired Group Captain Dave Richardson discusses maintenance in the early 1960s, along with a few stories from his time as a C-130 Engineering Officer and Officer Commanding Air Lift Systems Program Office. Topics include:C-130A serviceabilityFuel tank corrosionModificationsRate of EffortT-56 engines486 Squadron2 Aircraft Depot2023-10-1943 minWorkhorse - RAAF C-130sWorkhorse - RAAF C-130s - E10 - Air Movements and the BP SystemThis episode looks at the ground trades that loaded C-130s and some of the early equipment used to load C-130s. Covered in this episode:Air MovementsAir DispatchersThe Brooks Perkins systemThe 463L palletThe Truck Aircraft Loading Unloading vehicle (TALU)Energy Dissipating Material (EDM)2023-10-1217 minWorkhorse - RAAF C-130sWorkhorse - RAAF C-130s - E9 - Airborne Ops in the 1960s, with John SamulskiJohn 'Sam' Samulski joins us today to discuss the history of airborne operations and the early days of airborne operations training in the Australian Defence Force. Included is an in-depth discussion of the various types of equipment airdrop and a look at the first drops conducted by C-130s in Australia.2023-10-0449 minWorkhorse - RAAF C-130sWorkhorse - RAAF C-130s - E8 - Pilot Training - with Greg EvansThis episode features retired Air Vice Marshal Greg Evans - a pilot who flew C-130s, commanded 37 Squadron and Air Lift Group. He discusses pilot training at length, including:The RAAF Categorization scheme,A comparison of RAAF training techniques with USAF training (he was on exchange with the USAF),Simulators; andTraining in the C-130A during the 1960s.The episode also features an account of upside down spinning in a C-130.2023-09-2855 minWorkhorse - RAAF C-130sWorkhorse - RAAF C-130s - E7 - Konfrontasi, with Bob WheelerIn 1962 the British Cobbold Commission recommended the amalgamation of Malaya, Singapore, North Borneo, Sarawak, and Brunei to form Malaysia. Indonesia opposed this initiative by arming insurgents in Borneo and by conducting combat operations along its border with Malaysian Borneo. This conflict was dubbed the Borneo Revolt and was also commonly known as Konfrontasi. RAAF C-130s were involved in the very first missions into Borneo and supported the operation for years. Bob Wheeler was a C-130A loadmaster in that era and flew several missions in support of Konfrontasi. He details some of the incidents from that o...2023-09-2026 minWorkhorse - RAAF C-130sWorkhorse - RAAF C-130s - E6 - Early C-130A Operations....and Cannibals!!This episode looks at early C-130A operational tasks that cumulatively gave the Australian, government, citizens, and military planners a good sense of just how much more capable air mobility was with C-130s in the inventory. The tasks covered include:The very first RAAF C-130 Humanitarian Assistance/Disaster Relief mission which took place in the New Hebrides (Vanuatu) in the aftermath of 1959’s Cyclone Amanda;An around-the-world mission called Operation Eastbound; andExamples of the early Search and Rescue missions – one successful and one not so successful. This includes the story of Michael Rockefeller's disappearance in Nove...2023-09-1422 minWorkhorse - RAAF C-130sWorkhorse - RAAF C-130s - E5 - Air Logistics Support and Service Flights The basic Hercules mission of moving passengers and cargo has had many different doctrinal and colloquial names over the years. The modern Australian Defence Force term is Air Logistics Support (or ALS for short). A widely used colloquial term is ‘trash-hauling’. This episode covers three general topics, all to do with the main business of moving passengers and cargo. The mechanics behind ‘normal’ cargo and/or passenger runs. Couriers - also known as Service Flights.Passenger conditions in the cargo hold of C-130s.2023-09-0727 minWorkhorse - RAAF C-130sWorkhorse - RAAF C-130s - E4 - The First C-130A TaskThis episode covers three different topics, all of which led to the first C-130A task:1. Improvements made at RAAF Richmond (the home base for 36 Squadron's C-130As).2. The acceptance and ferrying of the new C-130As from the US to Australia, and3. The strategic situation that resulted in the first C-130A task: a flight to RAAF Butterworth, Malaya.2023-08-3113 minWorkhorse - RAAF C-130sWorkhorse - RAAF C-130s - E3 - Training and Crewing in 1958, with Col CoyneIn preparation for receiving their new C-130A Hercules aircraft, the Royal Australian Air Force assigned C-130 crews and support staff for its new capability. Along with those who would use its capabilities, they all needed training. That training was partially accomplished in the USA as part of the Lockheed contract, and some of it occurred in Richmond, New South Wales, Australia. Guest Col Coyne is a retired Royal Australian Air Force Warrant Officer and C-130 Loadmaster who specializes in airman aircrew history. He is also the President of the 37 Squadron Association. He joined Workhorse for this e...2023-08-2437 minWorkhorse - RAAF C-130sWorkhorse - RAAF C-130s - E2 - Strategic Need for the C-130This episode covers the strategic circumstances of the 1950s that led Australia to buy the C-130A; thus making the Royal Australian Air Force the first foreign operator of the mighty Hercules.2023-08-1614 min
Workhorse - RAAF C-130sWorkhorse - RAAF C-130s - E1 - What is a C-130?This episode describes the development of the C-130 Hercules in the early 1950s.2023-08-1416 min