The Australian Government ordered twelve C-130J-30 Super Hercules in December 1995 as replacements for the twelve C-130Es in service since 1966, deliveries began during 1999.
A97-440 ~ Arrived 24 September 1999, Nose Art: “Cargo Cat”
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A97-441 ~ Arrived 24 September 1999, Nose Art: “Time Machine” replaced with “Ice Queen” , now “Drop Bear”
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A97-442 ~ Arrived 20 October 2001, Nose Art: “High Maintenance”
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A97-447 ~ Arrived 23 October 1999, Nose Art: “Roll With It”, 75th Anniversary
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A97-448 ~ Arrived 03 December 1999, Nose Art: Nil
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A97-449 ~ Arrived 23 October 1999, Nose Art: “Harder, Longer, Faster”, then “Walk The Line”, both now removed.
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A97-450 ~ Arrived 24 November 1999, Nose Art: “Black Pearl” now removed
Carried “Hercules 50 years” artwork on tail.
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A97-464 ~ Arrived 07 September 1999, Nose Art: Nil
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A97-465 ~ Arrived 18 January 2000, Nose Art: “Combat Dolphin”
~~Wing centre section damaged by crane during engine change on unknown date. Aircraft parked at Richmond and used for parts pending decision on depot level repair. ~~ Returned to service 2006.
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A97-466 ~ Arrived 30 March 2000, Nose Art: “Desert Devil”
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A97-467 ~ Arrived 18 April 2000, Nose Art: “10 Years MEO”
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A97-468 ~ Delivered 2000, Nose Art: “DROP’N LOADS (BULL RIDER)” Now removed
~~Wings damaged in a storm at Richmond on 3/12/2001 but repairs not commenced until 12/2003. ~~ Aircraft back in service 03/2005. Parts supplied from A97-465.
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