Hercules Airbrake??

[vickersfour]

Hello Folks

This is one for the Hercules experts out there. The simple question is; Since when have Hercules had airbrakes fitted? You can certainly see a need for them, i guess they would really help out with speed control on those steep approaches.

I got Hercules C4 ZH870 through the M6 Pass yesterday, it was one of the Special Forces modified J's.



It was going really slow with a small amount of flap set, which is quite unusual at low level. It appeared to be climbing slightly as he appeared from behind a hill (maybe a simulated supply drop?). But the thing that intrigued me was a large airbrake type door on the aft part of the undercarriage sponsons.





The flaps and airbrake were retracted as it accelerated at the north end of the valley.

I have never noticed a Hercules with these airbrakes deployed and wonder if anyone could shed any light on the subject?

Another point of interest with this aircraft was the guy in the left hand seat (presumably the Captain) he was wearing a German flag on his flying suit and there was also a German flag in one of the cockpit windows.



Cheers

Shaun

[rolyatr]

I may be wrong about this (if I am, I know someone who worked on Herks who can put me right) but I'm sure someone told me the "airbrake" is to disrupt the airflow forward of the door to make it easier to jump out. Why anyone wants to jump out of a servicable aircraft is beyond me!! ;D

[Biggles]

Superb shots as usual Shaun, one thing did cross my mind and that was the JATO system fitted to some 130`s especially the Blue Angels the support aircraft of US display team. The JATO system is fitted in that same place, perhaps SF are thinking of an add on, or already have it ?

[vickersfour]

Yes that would make sense. I have just been looking at some old Herc photos and they all seem to have the outline of the 'airbrake' thingy on the sponsons. But some seem to have it modified; flare dispensers and JATO bottles to name two.

Thanks for your quick response.

Cheers

Shaun

[michael]

Hercules over Hawarden, 17.06.10, 0914, any contacts out there!!!!!
(is this C4 ZH870? just a thought!!!!!!!!)

Attachments:

[gwoof]

Pretty sure those open "brakes" are normally used when jumpers are using the side doors.

Those jamming pods don't necessarily mean this is an SF Herk, there are a lot with it fitted.

German exchange crew, there are usually a few to be found sprinkled through RAF squadrons, plus some from other countries too!

We should have a J in Kemble tomorrow for the show, I'll make some discreet enquiries ;D

[Biggles]

gwoof, that will be your mission should you choose to accept it and can penetrate the SF security.

[calflier]

Nice shots there Vickers Four.

[gwoof]

Sadly due to operational comittments the C-130 was a no show at Kemble. I'll try again at Lyneham's families day ;D

[vickersfour]

Cheers 'gwoof' i would be interested to hear what the story is, thanks for your efforts.

Shaun

[gwoof]

And the answer is .........

Direct from a Loadmaster at RAF Lyneham today these deflectors are only used for para jumping from the side doors. The aircraft in question had either, just done some, was going to do some or was simulating doing some ;D

Ian

[vickersfour]

Thanks for your efforts 'gwoof', much appreciated. I think it would have been a simulated drop.

Cheers

Shaun