Rebirth

RNZAF accepts first upgraded Hercules

Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) Lockheed C-130H Hercules NZ7004 of 40 Squadron was accepted back into service at RNZAF Base Auckland following a ceremony on October 21 to celebrate the home coming of the first aircraft to be put through the Life Extension Programme (LEP).

NZ7004 is one of five Hercules operated by 40 Squadron. The upgrade is extensive upgrade both inside and out however the aircraft returned two years later than scheduled. The aircraft was originally flown to L-3 Communications Spar Aerospace in Edmonton, Canada for upgrade however the business was forced to close so the work was moved to L-3 Integrated Systems based in Waco, Texas. Software and installation problems caused further delays however NZ7004 is now in the testing phase back in New Zealand and will be back on line with 40 Squadron at the beginning of 2011. A second aircraft has also been through the upgrade and is having some software issues etc sorted at RNZAF Base Woodbourne with the following three aircraft to be upgraded at Woodbourne, New Zealand over the next three years.