An official website of the United States government
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Airmen, Sailors, Soldiers take part in Paris air show

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. James B. Pritchett
  • 403rd Wing Public Affairs
LE BOURGET, France --  Stronger muscles, a stretched body and a vastly more intelligent brain made the C-130J-30 an attraction at the 2005 Paris International Air Show. The U.S. Air Force’s newest airlifter appeared for the first time at the Paris venue, the world’s oldest and largest air show.

“This aircraft has more powerful and more efficient engines than previous versions of the C-130,” said Maj. Brian Freeman, pilot and aircraft commander for the 815th Airlift Squadron’s mission to France.

“The stretched fuselage provides an increased cargo capacity that makes this version of the Hercules unique,” he said. “In addition, the J-model has a robust avionics system that enhances situational awareness and allows us to operate with a crew of only three: two pilots and a loadmaster.”

An aircrew from the 815th AS and crew chiefs from the 403rd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron from Keesler Air Force Base, Miss., arrived at Le Bourget June 11 to provide a static display in support of the Department of Defense’s presence.

In addition to these reservists from Air Force Reserve Command’s 403rd Wing, there were representatives from the U.S. Army and U.S. Navy as well as active-duty Air Force. U.S. European Command supported the DOD contingent.

Thousands of trade and media visitors saw the Hercules for the first time June 13 when the show opened. About 1,000 people per day toured the aircraft, asking questions and taking photos. The trade show and media visits ended June 16.

The next day the public show began. Crew members greeted throngs of visitors and told them about the enhanced cargo handling system, maintenance computer system and the modernized flight deck of the aircraft.

“The feature on the flight deck that gets the most positive reaction is the Heads Up Display,” said Major Freeman. “The HUD places all the attitude, heading and navigation information that we need to fly the aircraft right in front of our eyes, without having to look down at the instrument panel.”

While the J-model appears similar to its predecessors from the outside, it is a wholly redesigned aircraft that builds on the reputation of its lineage. The C-130 has long been respected for its ability to land and takeoff with heavy payloads under the most austere conditions.

Visiting military people found the culture and cuisine of Paris inviting. Parisian hosts went out of their way to welcome the American crews, stopping to talk with crews and having their pictures taken with the aircraft.

“The people we have met have been very friendly and enthusiastic about our presence here,” said Major Freeman.

“We’ve also been quite impressed by the French air force and their flying skills as well as the aerial demonstrations by other nations,” he said. “This event is the perfect platform for enhancing relationships with our NATO partners, laying the foundation for interoperability and possibly developing future coalition partnerships.”

The Hercules crew briefed leaders of international governments and air forces from the Czech Republic, Austria, Ireland, Lithuania, Canada and several others.

The C-130J-30 will remain on display throughout the air show which ends June 19. Other U.S. airframes featured in the show include the UH-60 Blackhawk, AH-64D Longbow, F/A-18 Hornet, E-2C Hawkeye, F-15E Eagle, F-16C Fighting Falcon and C-17A Globemaster III.

“This is a huge opportunity to demonstrate our part in rapid, global mobilization to our international friends,” Major Freeman said. “Our people will never forget this trip and are working hard to display what the newest generation of Hercules can do.”