Frag Out! Magazine
Issue link: https://fragout.uberflip.com/i/1517379
Over those couple of weeks, the ground crews at Powidz would paint the Polish Air Force emblems, and also the re- gistration number. These would be a continuation of the C-130 regs - from 1509 to 1513. This year the remaining C-130H airframes are to be delivered to Powidz, and this will make it possible to gradually replace the currently operated C-130E aircraft. Even though declarations were made that the C-130Hs would remain in service, all signs suggest that, apart from 1501, all of them would be decommissioned, as they are approaching the end of their life cycles. Meanwhile, the C-130H Hercules would be operated in the fu- ture, forming the backbone of the Polish Armed Forces' airlift capability. They would be replaced later, by medium airlifters expected to be procured in the Drop procurement program. Complementary airlift capability would also be provided by the MRTT platforms, expected to be acquired within the fra- mework of the Karkonosze procurement procedure. The 33rd Airlift Base in Powidz received its first C-130H Hercules in December. The unit is to operate 5 airframes as such in total. They will replace the legacy C-130E platform. Image Credit: 33rd Airlift Base AVIATION