The Lockheed Hercules at Liverpool

[viscount]

THE L-100/L-382/C-130 HERCULES AT LIVERPOOL AIRPORT

There is currently much interest in the Hercules on another thread on this forum at present ('Labours of Hercules' in the 'History and Memories, further afield' section). I've had the first part of the story of the Hercules at Liverpool researched for several months, so it may take a while to cover the 43 years that the type has called at Liverpool in the period 1965 to date, as I research more recent visits.

Correct me if I'm wrong, the Hercules is the largest type that has been in continuous production for over 60 years - and it is still recognisably the same type. The Hercules has principally been produced for the military, a few have been produced for the civilian market, while only a handful have moved between market segments.

The type first visited Liverpool Airport in 1965, at a time when there were relatively few based in Europe. The RAF received the first of their 66 at the very end of 1966. The first visit by an RAF Hercules to Liverpool was in Spring 1968, the first civilian operated L-382 calling the following year. In the course of this article, I'll use generic the name Hercules rather than L-382, C-130 or L-100, unless I wish to identify a particular mark for any reason.

Now with 46 years to cover over a 48 year time span, I'll mainly cover civilian Hercules and foreign military visits in detail. Unless notable for some reason, I'll not cover RAF visits, other than to identify which aircraft visited in each year. This way I can keep entries down to a reasonable size. Also I'll concentrate on aircraft that actually landed, usually ignoring those on ILS and go-around.

The usual disclaimer at this stage. While I know exactly which aircraft called in each year (due to the annual record keeping by the MGAE/MSAE/MAS/Air Britain Merseyside/NWAN group and www.nwan.co.uk which together provide a complete record since 1957), it is possible that within the year I have not discovered every visit made by a particular airframe. Many thanks to Phil Butler's logs, Flypast, EGGP and North West Air News as the main sources of information used here.

To conclude the preamble, please feel free to illustrate with pictures of Hercules at Liverpool at any point. However, could I request those with comments, or personal memories to hold fire until I've completed the historical entries. Thank You, Brian.

One of the original 'type reviews' produced for NWAN forum in 2010, at the time of revision, update, replacement of watermark obscured images and many further images added, this thread had 'clocked-up' some 9,050 visits.

[Beemer]

EI-JIV Lockheed L-100 Hercules of Air Contractors LJLA 09-12-2009.


EI-JIV Lockheed L100 by Beemer328i, on Flickr

[viscount]

Hercules visits to Liverpool in the 1960s

1965

On the 1st October USAF C-130A 50019 (55-019) routed from Evreux-Fauville to Neubiberg, with C-130B 00295 (60-295) on 15th October on the reverse routing. Both operated by 313rd TCW in an all plain metal scheme. They collected and returned British TA Paras for an exercise due to a lack of available RAF transports. (Gwoof & PHB's corrections incorporated)

Annual total = 2.
USAF: 50019, 00295.

1968

The type did not appear at Liverpool in either 1966 or 1967, but has appeared every year since!

The first two RAF C-130K Hercules C.1 aircraft to visit were XV190 and XV194 on 17th February, operating from Lyneham to collect troops to be transported to Otterburn. Later in the year XV290 called on 8th and 9th June, while interestingly XV177 calling 'Liquid 10' on 21st November routed from Cambridge to Boscombe Down.

A further USAF C-130A called, substituting for a Medevac C-131A(M) Samaritan, in the form of 70457 (57-457) on 30th April routing Edinburgh/Turnhouse to Mildenhall and on 1st May f&t Mildenhall.

Annual total = 5. RAF: XV177/190/194/290.
USAF: 70457.

1969

Sole RAF Hercules to call was XV222 on 28th February. However the next Hercules had an interesting cargo. N7952S of Pacific Western arrived on 11th June from Vancouver via Frobfisher Bay and continued on empty to Southampton. The cargo dropped-off at Liverpool was a bright yellow 12 ton 2-man mini-submersable 'Pisces'. This was en route to Vickers at Barrow. 'Pisces' was expected through Liverpool Airport again in October en route to Australia, but this flight never materialised.

Annual total = 2.
RAF: XV222.
Civil: N7952S.

[viscount]

Hercules visits to Liverpool in the Seventies

1970

Unlike the majority of subsequent years, more civil marked Hercules visited Liverpool than military operated.

First of the civilian aircraft to call, was again carrying an outsized cargo, this time with 16 tonnes of potato crisp machinery from Kansas City. Southern Air operated N7951S f&t Boston, arriving 9th April, leaving the following day.

Three Hercules appeared mostly, if not all, on motor part charters during July. Pacific Western brought in CF-PWN on 30th June Manston-Saarbrucken, 6th July Manston-Brussels, 7th July again Manston-Brussels and finally 8th July Brussels-Saarbrucken. This was followed by another Pacific Western aircraft, CF-PWX, on 17th July Gatwick-Saarbrucken, with the same routing a few days later on 22nd. Finally N9227R of Alaskan called on 23rd July Stansted-Goteborg, 29th Manston-Saarbrucken and 30th Hamburg-Birmingham.

After such an interesting year, unknown to MAS spotters at the time, it would be eight years before we would next see a civil Herc at Speke, but there would be more of interest at the end of the decade.

Annual total = 7 a new record.
RAF: XV179/191/300.
Civil: CF-PWN, CF-PWX, N7951S, N9227R.

1971

The USAF brought in two C-130E Hercules during July. By now camouflaged, these were Dyess AFB, Texas based aircraft on TDY rotation to Europe. On 14th July 37884/DZ from Wiesbaden to Mildenhall, while a few days later on 17th, departing after a night stop, 37831/DZ Rhein Main-Alconbury. These visits were connected with the Wavertree show. If my memory serves correctly they transported a band in to perform at the show. This was the year that the flypast on the 17th (a Saturday) was all USAF aircraft, F-4C, RF-4C, F-100D, HH-3E & HC-130N 69-5823 of 67ARRS. (Thank you Graham 'gtf4j2m' for the extra detail)

Annual total = 6
RAF: XV222/296/301/306.
USAF: 37831, 37884.

1972

RAF Hercules visited in greater numbers than any previous year. However of greater interest were USAF examples 21830/LN (62-1830) on 20th January routing Mildenhall-Leuchars, with some months later 37848 on 10th August from Ramstein to Mildenhall. Both visits almost certainly Burtonwood connected. The code 'LN' relates to the 37th TAS within the 316th TAW, home based at Lockbourne, Ohio, but on European rotation to Mildenhall. No Unit code was recorded at the time for the August visit, presumably one was carried.

Annual total = 14 (a new record)
RAF: XV176/181/193/200/201/212/215/218/221/291/303 + 1
USAF: 21830, 37848.

1973

A further slight increase in RAF aircraft calling at Liverpool. However for this and subsequent years, the only Hercules to be seen at Speke were from the RAF.

Annual total = 13
RAF:XV177/181/183/188/190/195/200/215/218/292/294/295/298.

1974

Annual total = 10
RAF: XV185/195/196/200/204/209/220/298/304/307.

1975

Annual total = 9
RAF: XV184/185/188/191/195/296/296/297/301.

1976

Annual total =2 (a low point)
RAF: XV218/295.

1977

Annual total = 5
RAF: XV187/189/190/204/217.

1978

After a number of routine RAF only years, two American civilians varied the scene and produced interesting aircraft in the form of TransInternational (TV) N15ST on 10th March from Kano, Nigeria, leaving on 12th for Keflavik, Iceland. A week later Southern Air Transport (SJ) brought in N9232R from EMA (at that time still refered to as Castle Donington) leaving the next day for Algiers. Unfortunately the contemporary MAS 'Flypast' magazine gives no hint as to the cargo/reason of visit for these two freighters, if indeed we ever knew at the time!

Annual total = 10
RAF: XV177/218/219/221/222/292/295/306.
Civilians: N15ST, N9232R.

1979

Poor weather throughout Europe cut transport links and attracted a number of freighters to Europe to make money out of Europe's weather misfortunes. British operator Express Air Freight (EXS) brought two Alaskan examples to Liverpool. First in was N106AK on 19th January f&t Stansted, the next day from Aberdeen and diverted here due to weather closing Birmingham, it continued on to Coventry later. The same day, 20th, brought in N108AK from Stansted to Southampton and on Sat 27th January Cologne to Stansted.

Annual total = 13
RAF: XV181/185/186/197/199/204/213/217/222/291/294.
Civilians: N106AK, N108AK.

[viscount]

Hercules visits to Liverpool during the Eighties

1980

Although a frequent sight at Manchester, the Royal Saudi Air Force Hercules did not operate into Liverpool. However, on Mon 24th March RSAF C-130E 451 diverted into Liverpool due to regular night runway closure at Manchester. The aircraft then developed a technical fault, so did not depart until 30th. Arrived from Gander, Canada and departed to Cambridge, presumably for further attention by Marshall's.

A few days later another Hercules arrived after a transatlantic flight, this one though was intending the flight to terminate at Liverpool. N12ST of TransAmerica (TV) arrived from Montreal/Dorval on Sat 29th March. After unloading a BAe.125 wing section en route to BAe Chester for repairs, N12ST left on 2nd April for Luton.

Annual total = 14 (equalls the record set in 1972)
RAF: XV181/187/195/196/205/219/221/291/292/293/297/302.
Saudi military: 451.
Civilian: N12ST.

1981

Quite a year, with the RAF sending 29 different aircraft - very nearly half of their active fleet. Worthy of note are XV197 and XV219 which were the first of the newly stretched C.130K Hercules C.3 to visit Liverpool, both appearing on 13th June.

The Royal Danish Air Force sent two of their small C-130H fleet into Liverpool. On Fri 8th May B-679 operated f&t Vaerlose, Denmark 1510-1640. A few months later B-680 called on Mon 20th July routing Lyneham-Vaerlose.

Total aircraft = 31 (all time record)
RAF:XV181/183/184/185/186/188/189/190/191/193/195/197/199/202/203/204/211/215/219/290/291/293/298/299/300/301/302/303/304.
Danish miitary: B-679, B-680.

1982

A European civilian registered Hercules appeared on Ford motor part inbound charter flights on several occasions. Wirtschaftsflug (WS) operated D-ACWF into Liverpool first on Wed 30th June 1912-2130 Saarbrucken-Frankfurt. It returned on 7th July at 2300, departing 8th at 1705 f&t Saarbrucken, to return later from Saarbrucken at 2345, before departing to Frankfurt on 9th at 1425.

The reduction in RAF movements presumably was due to greatly increased operational taskings in relation to the Falkland conflict.

Total aircraft = 7
RAF: XV176/195/202/207/219/295.
civilian: D-ACWF.

1983

The RAF were back in force with Hercules operations during 1983. However civilian and other Air Forces were absent - the only year during the Eighties that this happened.

Total aircraft = 21
RAF: XV176/178/182/184/189/190/191/202/207/212/214/217/220/221/294/297/299/301/304/305/307.

1984

A varied year in terms of Hercules movements at Liverpool. It started off early in the year, on 22nd January with another R.Saudi.A.F. C-130H, this time 1601 on a flight from Dover AFB, USA diverting into Liverpool at 0404 due to a snow shower at Manchester. It continued on to Manchester at 0840.

On the morning of Sunday April 1st, the unofficial Speke Spotter contact network worked overtime with telephone calls (no mobiles then) telling each other that the ABC Argosy had been replaced by an ABC Hercules registered in Botswana. Yeh, 'April Fool' to that. The fourth call was after midday, so surely I had to believe that there was indeed a Botswana Hercules on the Western Apron! Air Botswana Cargo's A2-ACA operated the Air Bridge Cargo night freight flight between Liverpool and Belfast between 1st April and 31st May. It may also have made occasional calls later in the year for Heavylift Cargo.

1984 was the year of the International Garden Festival. On 3rd August a Swedish Air Force Hercules called 1055-1405 with a crew change for two of the 'tall ships' at the docks. 84008/848-7 operated f&t Runneby, Sweden.

TransAmerica brought two of their Hercules into Liverpool during the summer, although both had been at Liverpool before. On Thurs 30th August N12ST arrived from Stuttgart with truck parts inbound. On the ground 1200-1455 before departing to Goteborg. This aircraft had been expected on an inbound charter during February, but had diverted away to Blackpool due to adverse weather at Liverpool. N15ST, which visited Liverpool in 1978, returned on 26th July, inbound from Bremmen with what was described at the time as 'an unusual caterpillar truck', on the ground 1150-1530, leaving for Gatwick.

Finally two USAF C-130Es appeared in November, involved in exercise 'Abel Archer'. On 1st November 01268 (70-1268) of 317th TAW routed Rhein Main-Mildenhall, at Liverpool 1200-1345. On 9th November 40517 (64-517) also of 317th TAW operated the reverse routing, on the ground 0715-0945. Both used 'Old..' as call-signs.

Annual total = 22
RAF:XV177/179/182/186/188/190/191/193/195/209/219/220/292/297/299.
Foreign military: 1601, 01268, 40517, 84008.
Civilian: A2-ACA, N12ST, N15ST.

1985

The USAF again provided the interest. On Thurs 28th February C-130E 01275 (70-1275) called 1855-1945 routing Heidelberg-Mildenhall as 'Old 31'. On Wed 13th March C-130E 40540 (64-540) as 'Old 49' operated the reverse routing, at Liverpool 0705-0830. Both aircraft operated with 317th TAW.

Towards the end of the year, two further USAF aircraft visited. These were both C-130H's operated by 463rd TAW, who were now the European TDY rotational unit. On Wed 30th October 41673 (74-1673) called 1400-1450 from Rhein Main, to Upper Heyford as 'Old 17A', while on Fri 8th November 41669 (74-1669) operating as 'Old 14' operated from Mildenhall, to Rhein Main.

Annual total = 12
RAF: XV177/182/197/202/214/290/297/298.
USAF: 01275, 40540, 41669, 41673.

1986

Operations at Liverpool moved from the North Airfield to the new South Terminal in late March 1986.

The USAF again provided interest, this time during April. Both C-130H of the 462rd TAW, they brought in and collected personnel for Burtonwood. 41680 (74-1680) called on Thu 17th April 1335-1440 from Rhein Main-Mildenhall as 'Old 72'. This was followed on Fri 25th 0828-1008 by 41677 (74-1677) Mildenhall-Rhein Main as 'Old 83'.

Annual total = 8
RAF: XV177/182/200/214/293/300.
USAF: 41677, 41680

1987

The year started well with SF Air (FZ) using L.382G F-GASK on Fri 16th January with Fords freight, from Saarbrucken to Orly. Unfortunately for the enthusiast it arrived at 0040 and departed 0349! Ford's used a number of larger aircraft in mid January due to a combination of French transport strikes and European blizzards!

Again early Spring brought in visits by the USAF. This time a pair of C-130E from the 435th TAW. 10943 (68-10943) called on Mon 9th March 0909-1048, f&t Rhein Main as 'Known 08'. On Fri 13th 40513 (64-513) made an early morning visit as 'Known 01' at 0707-0828, from Mildenhall to Rhein Main.

Annual total = 18
RAF: XV181/183/184/185/189/195/196/199/207/210/215/290/293/300/306.
USAF: 10943, 40513.
Civilian: F-GASK.

1988

Although a few years before US Army activity at Burtonwood wound down and the base closed, 1988 was the final year that a USAF Hercules would call at Liverpool. 00324 (80-0324) a C-130H of the Georgia ANG arrived on Wed 7th December at 1056 as 'Bates 05' from Alconbury, departing the following day at 1220 for Maastrict as 'Sash 05'.

One we didn't get was N910SJ of Southern Air Transport, which on 13th May was inbound with Ford's freight, but as Liverpool was about to shut for runway night runway resurfacing and the crew wanted to get away quickly after unloading, it diverted into Manchester.

However later in the year another Ford's inbound charter provided interest, when Zimex Aviation's Hercules HB-ILG arrived on behalf of ABC Cargo as ABR507 from Valencia at 2132 on Wed 22nd June, departing a few hours later at 2317 empty for Rotterdam as IMX224.

Annual total = 9
RAF: XV187/200/207/218/221/300/301.
USAF: 00324
Cvilian: HB-ILG

1989

Southern Air Transport (SJM) brought Hercules aircraft into Liverpool at both the start, middle and end of the year. N901SJ On Tues 24th January called with Ford's freight late evening (2244-2358), from Saarbrucken to Manston. In July the same aircraft visited on three successive days: 14th Cologne-Malmo, 15th Malmo-Frankfurt, 16th from Frankfurt, departing for Cork on 17th. N521SJ arrived from Cologne on a Ford's charter Thurs 16th November at 1913. The aircraft promptly 'went tech'; it was 1538 on 23rd before it left for Norwich!

In the late Eighties the French Air Force fairly regularly used Liverpool for cross country navigation training, sometimes stopping but usually either a touch and go or a go-around by Transalls and Nord 262s. First time a French Hercules was seen at Liverpool was on Wed 28th June at 1055 on a touch and go, en route from Orleans-Newcastle. The aircraft 5151/61-PH, also identified as F-RAPH used call-sign 'CTM2237' (Cotam).

Another military operator to be seen at Liverpool in 1989 was the Canadian Armed Forces. CC-130E 130317 on Fri 10th February performed a go-around at 1225 en route Lahr-Dublin. However later in the year a CAF Hercules called at Liverpool. On Tues 17th October at 0724 130320 landed from Trenton, Canada, leaving the following day at 1235 for Cologne. Both legs using call-sign 'CFC516'.

Annual total = 11
RAF: XV195/206/217/221/222/294/298.
Foreign military: 5151, 130320.
Civilian: N521SJ, N901SJ.

So the Eighties were an interesting and varied decade in terms of Hercules visits, however the Ninties were to be even busier. Examination of the Ninties follows, on post # 13, after some photographic posts illustrating this thread. Many thanks to those contributing.

[viscount]

These photos nowhere near match the quality of those posted by gwoof, vickersfour, elevation 76 or others in the 'Labours of Hercules' thread. However, as they illustrate Hercules visits into Liverpool, I believe they are worth posting nevertheless.



The first C-130A Hercules to visit Liverpool Airport, USAF 55019 on 1st October 1965 to collect British Army TA paratroops off on summer exercise.


The John Pope Collection

USAF 00295 was the second Hercules to visit Liverpool in October 1965. It is a C-130B and was based at Evreux in France before the French withdrew from NATO and turfed the Americans out. Bare metal scheme is a great contrast to the later camouflage schemes, note too the large 'last three', still presented like a 50's 'buzz-number', but with no prefix.





USAF 37884/DZ (two photos) a C-130E displays very different colours at Liverpool in July 1971. Although based at Dyess, Texas it was on European rotation based at Rhein Main/Frankfurt, the visit being Burtonwood related.


XV218 C-130 by Brian Jones

XV218 at the 1971 Speke Air Display on 1st May.





XV296 in the early RAF sand/brown scheme is seen at a Liverpool 'Wings over Merseyside' Air Show April 1972, flying along the 26/08 display axis from the 'south side' following a drop of the 'Falcons' parachute team.

XV211, again at a Liverpool Air Display, this time June 1981, but by now in European theatre grey/green camouflage. Seen departing 08 with the 'Falcons' parachute team, and to prove it was at Liverpool seen 'in portrait' format with the tower and terminal.

[GHB]

Thank you Viscount for yet another great thread. Especially like the portrait shot of Herc, tower and terminal.

[vickersfour]

Air Botswana cargo Hercules A2-ACA taken at Liverpool during April 1984.



Cheers

Shaun

[Beemer]

N3755P L-100 Hercules Atlanta Air Services on approach at Runcorn.


N3755P L100 Hercules by Beemer328i, on Flickr

N3755P departing 27


N3755P Prescott L100 by Beemer328i, on Flickr

[viscount]

Hercules visits in the Nineties

In terms of this review of Hercules visits to Liverpool over five decades, this is the busiest in terms of movements by civilian Hercules, and some interesting foreign military ones too.

1990

Indonesian registered PK-PLV operated in the UK by Heavylift (HLA), visited several times during the year, the first though was on Thurs 12th July when it arrived at 1810 from Southampton with equipment and supplies to deal with an oil slick in the River Mersey due to a spill from an unloading Kuwait tanker at Tranmere, at 1945 it left for Stansted.

Fords motor part charters accounted for a number of Hercules visits, especially in the last three months of year. First though was Air Fret's (JFT) F-GDAQ on Fri 17th August, from Saarbrucken to Marseilles, 0101-1536. This aircraft called again Wed 7th November from Zaragosa to Marseilles, 1621-1805, and again 11th and 14th December.

Heavylift (HLA) brought their PK-PLV in on Ford charters on 27th September from Southend, on 28th out to Saarbrucken and back from Southend, on 29th out to Saarbrucken and on 30th Southend to Saarbrucken. In November on Thurs 1st from Saarbrucken and out to Stornaway, and later in the day Frankfurt to Stansted, on Tues 6th from Southend to Saarbrucken, then f&t Saarbrucken, on 7th from Southend to Saarbrucken, with further visits on Fri 16th, twice on Mon 19th and Wed 21sr, while in December visited on 12th and 15th.

No less than 4 Southern Air Transport(SJM) were used by Jet Fret (JFT) on Ford charters. Used a mixture of SJM and JFT flight numbers. First was N912SJ f&t Valencia on 30th August late at night. A few month later N522SJ on Thu 1st November, f&t Valencia, 2nd f&t Valencia and 3rd Valencia to Amsterdam - all in the early hours! Next as N907SJ Sat 3rd November f&t Valencia twice, Tue 6th f&t Valencia, Thu 8th Santander-Valencia. N910SJ was used just once, on Tues 6th from Santander to Valencia, again late at night.

No less than three European Air Arms were to be seen during the year. First, on 16th February was the Royal Norwegian Air Force with C-130H 956 from Oslo/Gardermoen to Boscombe Down 0835-1116 calling 'NOW5043'.

Next came Canadian Armed Forces CC-130E 130322 which arived from Lahr, Germany on Wed 31st march at 1333 and parked down on the spur taxiway, leaving at 1014 the following morning for Keflavik as 'CFC410'.

Right at the end of the year, the French called again, this time staying for a few hours on 4th December, from Cardiff to Groningen as 'CTM3959', on the ground at Liverpool 1019-1327. The aircraft was 5116/61-PB, oldly the alternative identity is quoted as F-RAPZ though.

Annual total = 20
RAF: XV176/179/182/190/207/209/215/221/222/293/297.
Other military: 956, 5116, 130322.
Civilian: F-GDAQ, N522SJ, N907SJ, N910SJ, N912SJ, PK-PLV.

1991

The Gulf War in January did little to affect Hercules movements through Liverpool. Heavylift (HLA) used another Indonesian Hercules PK-PLR on behalf of Fords, for example from Southend to Valencia with gear boxes outbound on Tuesday 23rd April 1229-1413 and then again in the early hours of 22nd, 23rd and 29th May.

French Air Force C-130H 5142/61-.. on Tues 17th September, performed a touch and go on 27 at 1535, while en route Humberside to Exeter.

Annual total = 11
RAF: XV190/197/209/220/221/222/294/299/305
French: 5142
Civilian: PK-PKR

1992

Heavylift (HLA) again used Hercules PK-PLR on Ford charters through Liverpool. On Tues 28th January from Southend at 1622, leaving for Cologne at 0657 the next morning. Later in the year, during a French Lorry drivers blockade, on 7th July Southend-Valencia and on 16th July Stansted-Saarbrucken.

On 9th December the Royal Norwegian Air Force returned, this time with 957 in UN markings, at Liverpool 1548-1629, from Northolt to Oslo/Gardermoen. Flt No. 'NOW5042'.

Annual total: 12
RAF: XV176/184/190/197/207/209/222/294/299/300.
Other military: 957.
Civilian: PK-PLR.

1993

A repeat of the previous year, in terms of non-RAF aircraft with PK-PLR appearing for the third consecutive year, this time on sub-charter to TNT and in the early hours of 9th July operated from Luton to Stansted.

With a pary of Norwegian War Veterans for the Fiftieth Anniversary of the Battle of Atlantic Commemoration, Royal Norwegian Air Force 10957 still in UN markings appeared three times over the weekend. Tues 25th May Bergen-Oslo/Gardermoen 1536-1610; Wed 26th again Bergen-Gardermoen 2038- 27/1050; Sun 30th Gardermoen-Bergen 1351-1510.

Annual total = 12
RAF: XV188/193/210/211/221/291/297/299/303/306.
other military: 10957.
Civilian: PK-PLR.

1994

Virtually throughout 1994 Aer Lingus used Southern Air Transport Hercules, contracted through Air Foyle, on newspaper flights twice each Saturday evening on EIN942/3 and 948/9, replacing Hunting Electras until Boeing 727s were acquired. First used was N909SJ on 12th, 19th and 26th February, on 5th March an Electra was used, then N920SJ on 12th, 19th and 26th March and 2nd, 9th April. N920SJ also wore Air Foyle titles. Next came N923SJ which appeared twice every weekend from 16th April right through to the end of the year, less 23rd December when there were no Sunday papers to carry.

On Ford charters were N522SJ on an Air Foyle (UPA) flight on 1st July from Valencia to Luton and on 7th September N923SJ again on a UPA flight number from Bilbao to Manchester. L-382G F-GIMV, formerly F-GDAQ, now with Europe Aero Service (EYT) operated for Fords f&t Valencia on Thurs June 30th, 0504-1612.

French Air Force C-130H appeared again in April - but for the final time. First was 5144/61-PF on Fri 22nd April, which landed at Liverpool, taxied round and departed, so was on the ground only 1054-1109, en route Newcastle to Jersey. Flt No 'CTM1071', alternative identity F-RAPF. A few days later on Tues 26th April 5140/61-PD also performed a landing, taxied round and departed, at Liverpool 0920-0929, en route Dublin to Bristol. Flt No. 'CTM1072', alternative identity F-RAPD.

Annual total = 24
RAF:XV184/191/197/199/207/209/210/214/215/220/221/223/290/294/300/302/307.
French: 5140, 5144
Civilian: F-GIMV, N522SJ, N909SJ, N920SJ, N923SJ.

1995

Another major year to cover, with 6 civilian and 3 Canadian military Hercules visiting.

The Aer Lingus/Air Foyle use of Southern Air Transport Hercules extended into 1995. On 7th January the Hercules was unservicable, on 14th N920SJ arrived only to 'go tech', so an Air Bridge Merchantman and a TNT BAe.146 substituted. The next weekend N923SJ which had operated smoothly for 9 months of 1994 returned for 21st and 28th January and 4th February when the service was taken over by TNT (NTR) BAe.146s. However we had not seen the end of N920SJ as it returned with Air Foyle (UPA) on Fords flights 23rd March from Luton to Saarbrucken and 24th May from Cardiff to Luton. N916SJ operated an Air Foyle Fords charter 23rd February from Luton to Maastrict. N908SJ operated an Air Foyle (UPA) Fords charter on 28th September from Luton to Saarbrucken, while on 23rd November still with Air Foyle operated a substitute flight for Janes with newspapers to Belfast in the very early hours.

Although the airframe had appeared at Liverpool before as F-GDAQ, now as ZS-RSI with pale Safair fuselage titles and Atlantic Cargo tail logo, this L.382G appeared a number of times during the year on AAG flight numbers. A series of Fords charters operated on 21st February from Coventry to Saarbrucken, 1st March from Dusseldorf to Coventry, 30th March from Valencia to Coventry, 4th April from Dusseldorf to Coventry and 24th May from Cardiff to Coventry. Finally late on November 30th it was diverted in for operational reasons while en route Efurt to Coventry, continuing onto Dublin early on December 1st.

While we had become familiar with US registered Hercules visiting under British or French sub-charter flight numbers, a US registered and operated L-100 N82178 of an operator known as ALC. It arrived empty on October 1st from Albany, NY, leaving the next day for Budapest. It had been anticipated that an S-76 helicopter would be aboard as cargo.

CC-130E 130310 arrived from Greenwood at 2017 on Thurs March 9th as CFC5688 with spares for a CH-124 helicopter on a frigate at the docks. Nearly a week later, Wed 15th CC-130H 130338 as CFC414 arrived 2221 from Ancona, Italy, leaving at 1527 the following day for Shearwater, Canada with the damaged rotor blade from the CH-124. One of three Candian visitors over a weekend in May, 130327 arrived from Shearwater at 0522 on May 16th with personnel to participate in a dedication ceremony at the Pier Head. The aircraft left for Split, Croatia at 0929 on 17th. A CP-140 Arcturus also called at the airport.

Annual total = 14
RAF: XV177/199/215/294/307.
Canadian: 130310, 130327, 130338.
Civilian: N908SJ, N916SJ, N920SJ, N823SJ, N82178, ZS-RSI.

1996

After becoming familiar over the past few years, the last visit of a Southern Air Transport Hercules occured on Sun 28th January with N916SJ, 0307-0420, routing from Luton to Belfast Aldergrove for Air Foyle (UPA) substituting for a Merchantman.

Now in Hunting Cargo scheme, but operated by Air Atlantique (AAG) ZS-RSI substited twice for a Merchantman on Saturday night Belfast newspaper flights on 11th May and 8th June. Another Safair Hercules appeared, this one on sub-charter to Efis Cargo (EFC) of France. ZS-JIZ appeared twice in the same day Sat 30th, November at 0305-0514 and 1149-1407, on both occasions f&t Clermont Ferrand with motor parts, due to road blockades in France.

ALC's Hercules N82178 appeared for technical stops a number of times during the year - apparently the crew rather liked visiting Liverpool! On 27th March at 1641 it arrived from Amsterdam, however the next day on start up for Santa Maria, Azores it developed a fault. Left at 1700 on 29th for Bangor, Maine. Other visits traced, all with an overnight stop, were on 9th July Poznan to Bangor, Maine; 18th July Bangor to Frankfurt, 25th August Hamburg to Bangor and 1st November Cairo to Bangor.

While RAF Hercules are relatively common performing one or two proceedural ILS approaches and go-around, on 10th December XV298 performed two hours of training with 6 touch-and-goes and several go-arounds.

Annual total = 18
RAF:XV186/188/190/202/205/212/221/294/298/299/303/304/305/306.
Civilian: N916SJ, N82178, ZS-JIZ, ZS-RSI.

1997

For first time in many years, only RAF Hercules called at Liverpool during the 12 months.

Annual total = 9
RAF: XV181/190/209/215/292/295/299/303/307.

1998

Annual total = 9
RAF: XV178/181/195/196/199/305.
Civilian: C-GHPW, N82178, ZS-JIV

[glow=red,2,300]1999[/glow]

Annual total = 4
RAF: XV186/206/292
Civilian: ZS-JVL.

A few details to fill in before resuming activity during the remainder of the Ninties ... bear with me as I continue the story over the next few days

[viscount]

Hercules visits in the Noughties

A number of slow changes have adversely affected the number of Hercules visits during the decade. The RAF, although receiving 25 new generation Hercules, sold/scrapped many times more of their older ones. Also RAF transport commitments in Iraq and now Afganistan absorb much of the Hercules flying hours. New digital printing technology has replaced the need for aircraft to carry newspapers to Belfast and Dublin. Fords moved out of Halewood, but Jaguar, and now Land Rover don't have the same "just-in-time" parts supply chain to/from Germany and Spain. While right at the end of the decade TNT withdrew their nightly freight/small parcels flights.

2000

Advance Leasings (ALC) Hercules N82178 appeared again, probably just the once during the year, and for the last time. Arrived from Rome/Ciampino at 1708 on Wed 20th September and after several days on Stand 12, departed for Cologne at 1827 on Sat 23th September.

Hercules ZS-JIV called again, but I've not yet traced just when or why - yet.

With their first visit for five years, the Canadian Air Force called again. CC-130H 130342 arrived direct from Halifax, Nova Scotia at 2248 on 31st October. After a stop of several days parked on the main apron, it departed for Budapest at 0922 on 2nd November. Flight number CFC1522.

Several of the RAF Hercules that visited during the year used 'JGN' tri-gram call-signs, denoting 'Joint Guardian' Kosovo operations eg XV219 late on Wed 3rd March from Pristina and XV299 in the early hours of 17th December, via Dusseldorf. During the second half of August XV177, XV181 & XV292 operated four flights bringing troops back from Belfast, while on 24th June both XV186 and XV210 routed in from Lyneham and out to Gibraltar. Also XV306 on a date yet to be unearthed.

Annual total: 11 (best of the decade)
RAF: XV177/181/186/210/219/292/299/306
Other military: 130342
Civilian: N82178, ZS-JIV.

2001

South African ZS-JIV operating on Air Contractors (ABC) flight numbers appeared for a week. Arrived from East Midlands on 4th February, it operated out to Dublin with extra newspapers in the early hours of 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th and 9th, day stopping at Liverpool between flights.

The first RAF Hercules C.3 of the year, was a Lyneham weather diversion, XV297 from Jersey to Lyneham, Wed 21st March, 1555-1722. The sole RAF flight intending to use Liverpool was XV183 on Sun 24th June, from Maastrict to Lyneham 2325-2343. Just a shadow of activities not that many years ago.

Annual total = 3
RAF: XV183/XV297
Civilian: ZS-JIV

2002

RAF Hercules C.3 calling were XV183 on Sun 10th March 0341-0415, Hannover-Lyneham; XV199 on Fri 6th September 2124-2229 Akrotiri to Lyneham; XV184 on Sun 8th September f&t Lyneham 1027-1112 and Lyneham-Kinloss 1341-1424 the same day.

Big news, was that at last, although seen a number of times using the ILS and go-around, for training, a new-generation Hercules called at Liverpool. C-130J Hercules C.5 ZH885 landed at 1937 from Southend and after night stopping left at 1315 for Blackpool. Visit believed in conjuction with the planning for sea-front air displays. The same aircraft called a few days later on Sun 8th September, from Leuchars to Lyneham, 1041-1100 - was this for a para-drop at Southport Sea Front Display (anyone confirm?). A month later the streched new generation Hercules C.4 arrived in the form of ZH878 from Akrotiri to Lyneham, 0202-0214 with an engine running drop-off of a few passengers.

A South African Hercules called again, this time a new one to LJLA, ZS-JIY, which called twice on extra newspaper flights outbound. On Sat 2nd November 2251, out 3rd 0046, then again Sat 30th November at 2020, out 2344 - on both occasions from Stansted to Dublin using NTR and ABC flight numbers.

Annual total = 6
RAF: XV184/303/304, ZH878/885.
Civilian: ZS-JIY.

2003

Just RAF aircraft, but in reasonable numbers. Older C.3 aircraft were XV303 on Mon 19th May on a 'Joint Guardian' JGN tri-gram call-sign from Banja Luka to Lyneham 2146-2206 dropping off passengers on a 'compassionate flight'. XV304 on Mon 26th May from Akrotiri to Lyneham 0623-0637 and XV184 f&t Lyneham with spares (see ZH876 below) Sat 6th September 1936-1947.

Stretched C.4s was ZH876 arrived from Brize Norton at 1311 on Sat 6th September and promptly went 'tech'. Spares and mechanics were dropped off by XV184 and on Sunday two sorties over the Southport Sea Front Air Display to drop parachutists, 1253-100 and 1607-1646, then back to Brize Norton 1901 on Sun 7th. C.5s dropping personnel in the early hours were ZH882 on Sun 2nd March 0440-0450 from Hannover to Lyneham; ZH886 on Mon 23rd June from Lyneham 1028, a local flight (para-drop ?) then back to Lyneham 1633; ZH881 Fri 27th June 0355-0407 from Akrotiri to Lyneham. On Sat 24th May ZH883 arrived from Lyneham 1333, and after a night stop to Southend at 1237 - presumed para drops at Llandudno before arrival and Southend Sea Front Show on the Sunday afternoon.

Annual total = 8
RAF: XV184/303/304, ZH876/881/882/883/886.

2004

Another RAF Hercules only year. Again 3 visits by C.3s, XV220 Sat 15th May paderborn-Lyneham 1940-1957; XV307 Mon 23rd August Dusseldorf-Lyneham 0049-0106 on a 'JGN' tri-gram flight number. C.4s ZH877 on Mon 15th March, Lyneham-Aldergrove 1037-1202; ZH872 Thurs 24th June Lyneham-Brussels/Melsbroek 1839-1850 and C.5s ZH887 Tues 9th March Lyneham-Aldergrove 1040-1200 and ZH883 24th June Aldergrove-Lyneham 1824-1909. On 24th June there was a C.4 and a C.5 briefly on the ground at Liverpool at the same time.

Annual total = 7
RAF: XV220/290/307, ZH872/877/883/887.

2005

Annual total = 3
RAF: XV199
Civilian: EI-JIV, ZS-RSI

2006

Hercules C.3s were XV197 on Sat 24th June Heathrow to Lyneham and XV290 on a date yet to be located. Hercules C.5s were ZH884 on Wed 3rd May Heathrow to Lyneham 2007-2024 and ZH888 on 18th October, Doncaster Robin Hood to Lyneham 1613-1629. Hardly a vintage year.

Annual total = 4
RAF: XV197/290, ZH884/888.

2007

Just 2 RAF during 2007 with XV295 on Tues 23rd Jan for training, arrived 1808 from EMA, leaving the next day at 0848 for Doncaster Robin Hood. Although recorded as a C.3 this is a Special Forces C.1 aircraft. C.3 XV221 also night stopped, arriving Sat 4th August 1601, departing 5th at 1513, f&t Lyneham.

An American registered Hercules caused a stir, N3755P owned by Atlanta Air Services Leasing LLC, operating with 'Prescott' titles called on a number of occasions, rumoured to be connected with US operations in Afganistan. Arrivals on 12th January, 16th April, 1st June, 15th June, 7th November and 18th November usually either arrived or departed to Stephenville, USA, while Athens, Frankfurt, Stuttgart and Cairo were points of origin or destinations.

Last seen at Liverpool in 2000, the Canadian Armed Forces reappeared with Hercules CC-130H 130337 from Prague on 1st February, onward to St.Johns, Newfoundland after a night stop. Flight number CFC2628.

Annual total = 4
RAF: XV221/295
other military: 130337
civilian: N3755P

2008

The RAF were down to just one visit in the year. A C.3 XV197 on 24th November from Hanover to Lyneham 2226-2242.

N3755P with Prescott (PSK) titles, now being followed by press reports that the CIA were involved in flights using this aircraft, visited again on 9th March, 8th April, 6th August and 18th December. Goose Bay, Stephenville, Paphos and Cairo featured as point of origin/destinations. The aircraft carries its own guards, who "discourage" inspection of the aircraft even by airport employees.

An aircraft that several years ago operated as ZS-JIV called, now with minimal change, registered EI-JIV painted in 'Oil Spill Response' titles, operated for Air Contractors (ABC) on 15th May from EMA to Cologne with freight outbound.

Annual total = 3
RAF: XV197
civilian: EI-JIV, N3755P.

2009

An improved year to end the decade, with slightly greater variety, but only one of the aircraft was new to Liverpool (the Canadian one).

Hercules C.3 XV303 on 10th February operated from Gibraltar to Lyneham, with C.4 ZH877 from Lyneham to Cambridge on the morning of Tues 28th July and C.5 ZH882 f&t Lyneham in the afternoon of the same day, 28th July!

The Candian Armed Forces appeared again, this time with another different CC-130H 130344 at 2309 on 10th July from Trenton, Canada onward to Malta 1500 the next day.

Prescott (PSK) Hercules N3755P visited again on 24th February, 19th June, 28th September and 19th December with Frankfurt, Athens and Stephenville being origin/destinations.

Air Contractors (ABC) again appeared with the Oil Response EI-JIV on freight charters from Hahn to EMA on 18th September and twice Hamburg to EMA on 23rd September, with another visit in December.

Annual total = 6
RAF: XV303, ZH877/882.
other military: 130344
civilian: EI-JIV, N3755P.

Hercules visits in the Twenty-Tens

2010

Annual total = 1 airframe
civilian: N3755P.

First visit by a Hercules on the ground at Liverpool in 2010 was not until June when Prescott's N3755P called again. The fourth consecutive year that the aircraft has been seen at Liverpool. Called again in October (early hours of Fri 29th), November and December. In December the aircraft arrived on a PSK flight number, leaving for the Azores on a CMB flight prefix, believed US Transportation Command.

2011

Annual total = 1 aircraft
civilian: N3755P.

In the second week of January Prescott's N3755P was programmed to call at Liverpool, However thick fog prevented the arrival, the aircraft diverting to Manchester. However on Thursday 24th February at 14:50 N3755P did arrive safely from Athens, departing at 08:13 for Gander the following morning as PSK324/326.

The only other Hercules around were the occasional RAF examples on the ILS and low go-around during training.

2012
Annual total = 2 aircraft
civilian: N3755P
military: ZH885.

On Friday March 30th, Prescott's L.100-30, N3755P again called at Liverpool, fairly briefly during the morning. This is the sixth consecutive year that the aircraft has called. She was back at Liverpool as 'PSK317' around midday on Tuesday 10th April. Next a brief 'splash and dash' visit on Saturday morning 5th October. Also during the year RAF ZH885 called.

2013
Annual total = 1 aircraft
civilian: N3755P.

Prescott's N3755P called again early in the year.

2014
Annual total = 3 aircraft
military: ZH885, ZH887, ZH888.

Did not have to wait long or the first visit of the year, with an RAF Hercules C.5 ZH887 landing briefly on Tuesday 14th January to swop crews over on a training flight, so landed, taxi back to 27, then departed en route. At the other end of the year, two further visits, one training, the other on a programmed mission, although the what and why it was doing remains unknown. On Tuesday 4th November Hercules C.5 ZH885 performed 2 touch & goes (rollers) as 'Ascot 261', one at 1412, before departing for RAF Valley. Late at night on Monday 10th November Hercules C.5 ZH888 arrived from Northolt at 2304, likely dropping someone off (although that is guesswork) then departed at 2320 home to RAF Brize Norton, using flight number 'Ascot' RRR5994 inbound and 5995 outbound.

2015
Annual total = 1 aircraft
military: ZH879

In Tuesday 3rd February Hercules C.4 ZH879 arrived from an undeclared airfield at 1735 and exactly an hour later departed for RAF Brize Norton as Ascot 066 inbound and Ascot 6 outbound (likely an abbreviation of the inbound call-sign).

RAF aircraft continue to use Liverpool for training, with procedural holds, low approach and go-around. During 2015

2016
Annual total = 1 aircraft
civilian: N3755P.

The Prescott Hercules N3755P called again, landing on 9th July at 1651 from Athens, then after crew rest departed for Gander direct the following early afternoon at 1322.

2017
Annual total = 2 aircraft
military: ZH874, ZH877.

Two RAF Hercules aircraft landed at Liverpool in 2017, although only briefly in both cases. On Friday 17th February ZH874 made a touch and go 'roller' at 0841 on runway 27 and departed home to RAF Brize Norton. A first visit by aircraft to land at John Lennon. Later in the year on Tuesday 18th July ZH877 as 'Ascot 111' may well have touched down on 09 at 2236, rather than performed a 'go-around'.

2018
Annual total = 1 aircraft
civilian: N3755P

On Monday 8th January the no-longer Prescott operated Hercules N3755P arrived in the early hours, at 0152 from Gander direct. After a fairly brief crew stop departed for Athens at 0852 the next morning.

2019
Annual total = 3 aircraft
civilian: N3755P
military: ZH887, ZH889

First sight of a Hercules in 2019 was not until Friday 9th August when Hercules C.5 ZH889 called and stopped overnight routing in from Edinburgh then out the next morning to Brize Norton via a G/A at Leeds. The aircraft appeared back at Liverpool from Aberdeen and night stopped again before departing for Newquay. This particular aircraft making its first visit to Liverpool JLA. December brought a bit of a peak in Hercules movements. The familiar N3755P, now no longer registered to Prescott but APA Leasing arrived from Gander at 1520 on Wednesday 4th for a crew rest stop-over, departing at 0806 the next morning for Frankfurt. A few days later, on Friday 6th December the aircraft was back, this time arriving from Frankfurt at 1901 and after crew rest stop-over continued on to Gander at 1217 the following day. It appears that this was the final visit by this aircraft that first appeared in 2007. On Friday 20th December RAF Hercules C.5 ZH887 on a training flight made 3 x touch and go landings on 27 in the late morning as Ascot 149.

Hercules visits in the Twenty-Twenties

2020
Annual total = 3 aircraft
military: ZH869, ZH872, ZH888

It did not take long to record the first visiting Hercules of the decade. In a similar fashion to an aircraft the previous August an aircraft that appeared to be on an unsupported multi flight mission test, Hercules C.5 ZH888 arrived from Prestwick 1714 on Friday 10th January, departing to Brize Norton 0957 the next morning, returning at 1748 from Exeter to night stop again, departing Saturday at 1115 for Prestwick. The other two visits, both Hercules C.4s, during 2020 both only briefly touched, performing a 'roller' landings on 27. ZH872 at 1847 on Tuesday 9th June en route Newquay to Brize Norton as Ascot 125 and ZH869 at 0824 on Thursday 26th November as Comet 168, a call-sign apparently showing the aircraft was crewed on a mission for the A&AEE.

2021
Annual total = 4 aircraft
military: ZH866, ZH868, ZH870 (RAF) & 130604 (CAF)

Apparently on a mission, rather than a training flight, Hercules C.4 ZH870 arrived on Tuesday 7th September from Durham Tees-Valley at 1648, briefly stopped, departing for Belfast/Aldergrove at 1714 as Ascot 110. On Wednesday 10th November Hercules C.4 ZH866 on a training flight made a landing at 0944, a rapid taxi back and departed at 0948. Two weeks later it was ZH868, this time making a 'roller' touch and go on 27 at 1029 on call-sign 'Ascot 190'. Final C-130J movement of the year was Canadian Air Force's 130604 on Tuesday 30th November, arriving from Berlin/Schonfeld at 1253 and night stopped, departing the following morning for Newquay.

2022
Annual total = 1 aircraft
military: ZH867

Although there were several appearances during the year on training approaches and go-around, there was just one aircraft, Hercules C.4 ZH867 on Monday 11th July that at 2029 made a touch and landing at the conclusion of the approach.

2023
Hercules movements are becoming rarer and part of the RAF Hercules fleet (the C.4s) are scheduled to be phased out in 2024, so presumably training will wind-down prior to that. There have been no landings in the first few months of the year.


x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x

Well, bar fully completing the detail for entries for 1998, 1999 and 2005, plus adding the odd detail to other years eg 2000 (still not done 13 years later!), this completes 58 years of entries featuring around 140 different registrations. This has been the biggest type feature to date, with some research required - I'll have to balance this by covering the C-5A Galaxy and Boeing C-97 next - with just one visit each to record!

An analysis of exactly which C-130/L-100 aircraft have used Liverpool appears in the next but one post. Originally posted 2010, updated 2016, 2019 and 2023. In 2023 many images replaced following the mutilation of Photobucket's watermark, any many more added to illustrated the many visits over a span of 58 years (indeed during every year 1968 to date (2023) - quite a record, likely only exceeded by the Douglas C-47 Dakota and well exceeds venerable types such as the Boeing 707, Douglas DC-8, Viscount, Friendship and other aircraft types originating in the 1950's.

Hope this feature has stirred memories of aircraft and events, or just simply provided interest in years past.

[viscount]

With 47+ years of visits (as at end 2022), quite a number of airframes have visited during that period.

MILITARY OPERATED

Canada - Canadian Armed Forces = 8
CC-130E: 130310, 130320, 130322, 130327 (130322 since w/o 30.10.91 Ellesmere Island)
CC-130H: 130334, 130337, 130338, 130342.
CC-130J: 130604

Denmark - Royal Danish Air Force = 2
C-130H: B-679, B-680 (both no longer current)

France - Armee de l'Air = 5
C-130H: 5116/61-PB, 5140/61-PD, 5142/61-PE, 5144/61-PF, 5151/61-PH.

Norway - Royal Norwegian Air Force = 2
C-130H: 956, 957 (957 no longer in service)

Saudi Arabia - Royal Saudi Air Force = 2
C-130E: 451
C-130H: 1601

Sweden - Royal Swedish Air Force = 1
C-130H: 84008/848.

United Kingdom - Royal Air Force = 78
C-130K: 66 acquired XV176-223 & XV290-307. 61 have been seen at Liverpool, those that didn't were: XV180 (Cr. Fairford 24.3.69), XV192 (retired 2001, quite why it never visited is unclear!), XV198 (w/o Colerne 10.9.73), XV208 (converted to the sole W.2), XV216 (Cr. into sea off Pisa 9.11.71).
C-130J: 25 acquired ZH865-ZH889.
C-130J C.4: ZH866, ZH867, ZH868, ZH869, ZH870, ZH872, ZH876, ZH877, ZH878 (leaving 6 yet to visit)
C-130J C.5: ZH881, ZH882, ZH883, ZH884, ZH885, ZH886, ZH887, ZH888. (leaves just 2, ZH880 & ZH889 yet to visit)

United States - U.S.A.F & A.N.G. = 18
C-130A: 50019, 70457.
C-130B: 00295.
C-130E: 21830, 37831, 37848, 37884, 40513, 40517, 40540,10943, 01268, 01275.
C-130H: 41669, 41673, 41677, 41680, 00324.

So making a total of 115 military aircraft (as at the end of 2022)

CIVILIAN OPERATED

A2- Botswana = 1
A2-ACA (84)

C-F/C-G Canada = 3
CF-PWN (70), CF-PWX (70), C-GHPW (98)

D- Germany = 1
D-ACWF (82)

EI- Republic of Ireland = 1
EI-JIV (05, 08, 09)

F- France = 3 different regns
F-GASK (87), F-GDAQ (90), F-GIMV (94)

HB- Swizerland = 1
HB-ILG (88)

N United States of America = 21 different regns.
N12ST, N15ST,
N106AK, N108AK, N521SJ, N522SJ, N901SJ, N907SJ, N908SJ, N909SJ, N910SJ, N912SJ, N916SJ, N920SJ, N923SJ.
N3755P, N7951S, N7952S, N82178, N9227R, N9232R

PK- Indonesia = 2
PK-PLR, PK-PLV.

ZS- South Africa = 5
ZS-RSI, ZS-JIV, ZS-JIY, ZS-JIZ, ZS-JVL.

This adds up to 34 different registrations, however a number of airframes have appeared with different registrations over time.
F-GDAQ later as F-GIMV later still as ZS-RSI
N12ST later as N912ST
N108AK later as N909SJ
N7951S later as N923SJ
N9232R later as N901SJ
ZS-JIV later as EI-JIV

While cross-checking continues, it appears that 26 civilian aircraft have appeared at Liverpool, so 115 + 26 = 141 different aircraft, wearing 142 different registration markings. As at end of 2022.

[viscount]

The U.S.A.F. Hercules that visited Liverpool

Regn     Fiscal    Mark    Visited  Unit        Status and location, circa 2005
50019    55-019    C-130A   10.65   313 TCW     Ground Instructional use, Hanscom AFB
70457    57-457    C-130A   04.68               Pima Air Museum, Tucson, Az
00295    60-295    C-130B   10.65   313 TCW     Uruguay AF FAU592/CX-BQX stored
21830/LN 62-1830   C-130E   01.72   316 TAW     Ground Instructional use, Little Rock AFB, Ak
37831/DZ 63-7831   C-130E   07.71   516 TAW     135 AS, Maryland ANG, Baltimore
37848/.. 63-7848   C-130E   08.72               327 AS, AFRC, Willow Grove ARS, Philadelphia
37884/DZ 63-7884   C-130E   07.71   516 TAW     463 AG, Little Rock AFB, Arkansas
40513    64-513    C-130E   03.87   435 TAW     AMARC, Davis Monthan AFB, Az
40517    64-517    C-130E   11.84   317 TAW     43 AW, Pope AFB
40540    64-540    C-130E   03.85   317 TAW?    43 AW, Pope AFB
10943    68-10943  C-130E   03.87   435 TAW     86 TAW, 37 AS, Ramstein AB, Germany
01268    70-1268   C-130E   11.84   317 TAW     43 AW, Pope AFB
01275    70-1275   C-130E   02.85   317 TAW     43 AW, Pope AFB
41669    74-1669   C-130H   11.85   463 TAW     317 AG, Dyess ATB, Tx
41673    74-1673   C-130H   10.85   463 TAW     317 AG, Dyess AFB
41677    74-1677   C-130H   04.86   463 TAW     317 AG, Dyess AFB
41680    74-1680   C-130H   04.86   463 TAW     317 AG, Dyess AFB
00324    80-0324   C-130H   12.88  Georgia ANG  158 AS, Georgia ANG, Savannah IAP, Ga.

Anyone have units for 70457 or 37848/.. at the time of their visits to Liverpool. Or, a more upto date list of current locations (I got this list from www.angelfire.com/scifi/C130 )?

[viscount]

A few more to add to the Hercules thread, mostly from Tom McDonald and Brian Jones.







Canadian C-130H Hercules 130337 visited Liverpool in 2000 and again in 2007





EI-JIV of Air Contractors, date not recorded.



Tuesday 8th April 2008, N3755P L-100-30 Hercules of Prescott (PSK) from Cairo at 17:32 and on to Stephenville after a night stop.



Hercules C.1P XV314, on an approach and go-around 27, date unknown. The usual angle RAF C-130s are seen by the aircraft watchers at Liverpool.



Hercules C.3 XV219, date unknown.





ZH877 a Hercules C.4 visited 15th March 2004



Saturday 31st October 2009. ZH888 C-130J Hercules C.5 on a go-around 27 at 13:41.

[viscount]

Beemer and I have been updating the text, replacing images spoilt by Photobucket's obscuring watermark and adding many more images to this thread which quite remarkably now stretching back coverage over a period of 58 years, as the first visit by type was way back in 1963.













These 6 images all record a well publicised event on 11th June 1969 when Pacific Western, using 'Flying W' L-100 Hercules N9227R, brought in a deep water submersible 'Pisces'. Unloading taking place on the main apron.





CF-PWN L-382 Hercules of Pacific Western on Ford Motor component flights with 4 visits within a week. Most likely this is Monday 6th July. Tail of G-AXVG HS.748 of Skyways behind.



9th April 1970, N7951S L-382 Hercules of Southern Air Transport arrives from Boston with a crisp making machine as cargo.



L-382 Hercules, N9227R of Alaskan. Two visits within a few days, this is likely on Wednesday 29th July 1970 and night stopped during a shipping strike.



N9332R Southern Air Transport, March 1978, routing from East Midlands (then Castle Donington) to Algiers. Cargo unknown.



Transinternational N15ST L-382 Hercules on 10th March 1978 from Kano, leaving on 12th for Keflavik. Not recorded if it carried/dropped/collected cargo, or was simply crew-rest in transit, but parked at the east end of the terminal in front of No.2 hangar it must have required customs clearance for more than just the crew.



While the Baron D-IKMA was clearly the subject of the photo, behind on a finger apron is Transamerica N12ST, which had arrived several days earlier with a damaged BAe.125 wing section for repair at Chester. Photo date is 1st April 1980, the aircraft arrived on Saturday 29th March 1980 from Montreal/Dorval.



Tuesday 6th February 2001, ZS-JIV L-100 Hercules during day-stop between Dublin newspaper flights, operating for Air Bridge Cargo in tricky lighting conditions for the photographer.