Rebirth

Now that the first aircraft has arrived the aircrews are looking forward to converting to the upgraded Hercules. The programme has been extensive and Deputy chief of Air Force Gavin Howse, said that the programme was the most comprehensive upgrade of the H model Hercules to be undertaken anywhere in the world. The aircraft are dismantled and stripped right back for inspection and refurbishment; the entire centre wing section is replaced before the internal work begins. Ninety-eight percent of the original wiring is removed, and replaced with new cabling, linked through to a glass cockpit complete with a large moving map, twin Honeywell GPS systems, Inertial Navigation Units (INU) digital fuel and engine displays which offer a reduced workload for the crew due to all information being available at a glance.

The communication suite has been replaced and now allows the aircraft to fly worldwide operations using the best technology. Two V/UHF radios, a secure network, Traffic Collision Avoidance System (TCAS) and a Caution Advisory Warning System (CAWS) are included. The APN-241 radar is installed in the nose, and offers enhanced ground mapping and approach capability.

Operating at low level has been improved by installing a new radar altimeter, an enhanced Ground Proximity Warning System, (GPWS) night vision compatible flight deck, including imaging, and a self-protection system complete with flares.

Finally a Fatigue Analysis Monitoring System (FAMS) Flight Data Recorder, (FDR) and an Auxiliary Power Unit (APU) are new to the aircraft. A flight engineer is still required as the original overhead panel is still in place as are some other systems.

The upgrade should allow the 45 year old aircraft to remain in service for at least another decade.

A full size cockpit flight simulator was developed by L-3 and is fully functional. The simulator, or part task trainer is an accurate representation of the flight deck with all cockpit systems to make pilot conversion easier. The crew can learn how to use all of the systems on the ground before taking to the sky in the real aircraft. Minister of Defence Dr Wayne Mapp got some hands on instruction in the simulator by senior pilot, Squadron Leader Pete Saunders. Dr Mapp holds a private pilots licence, and has logged more than 500 hours so flying is not new to him. He managed to land the “aircraft” with no problem at all. The minister was very impressed with the new simulator, as it will ensure crews convert easier and keep costs down.

The 255 million dollar upgrade should allow the aircraft to soldier on for at least ten years. The new systems will provide aircraft that have increased reliability, and are readily available to head off on task at short notice. It is likely these aircraft will be replaced at the end of this lifecycle, as these Hercules have already been operational for 45 years.