The Royal Australian Air Force is testing out the feasibility of fitting external fuel tanks to its C-130J transports and the first aircraft, A97-440, was recently handed over to No. 37 Squadron with those external tanks hanging beneath its wings.
Photo: RAAF
Two C-130Js will be participating in the trials whereby the fuel capacity of each aircraft will increase from 19 tonnes to 27 tonnes.
Air Commodore William Kourelakos, Commander Air Mobility Group, said that besides increasing the range of the aircraft. Extra fuel is useful during Forward Arming and Refuelling Point operations.
However, there are weight and drag considerations to be taken into account.