C130H Hercules USAF "Spare 617"
Scale: 1:200
Publisher/Brand: Postage Stamp Model
Size: Approx W 20.32 x L 15.24 cm
Air Group: USAF 374th TAW
Posting: Vietnam April 1972
Reg #: #62-1787 Spare 617
Stand: Yes (Plastic)
Production: Limited
Version: Diecast metal, with stand, with antenna, with landing gear
Colours: as shown
History:
April 15, 1972 this aircraft flew a significantly heroic and now famous mission under call sign "Spare 617." It was attempting to air drop ammunition to enemy surrounded South Vietnamese forces at An Loc. Near the drop zone, Spare 617 received heavy enemy ground fire that damaged two engines, ruptured a bleed air duct in the cargo compartment, and set the ammunition on fire. Flight engineer Sanders was killed, and navigator Lenz and co-pilot Hering were both wounded. Despite receiving severe burns from hot air escaping from the damaged air bleed duct, loadmaster Shaub extinguished a fire in the cargo compartment, and successfully jettisoned the cargo pallets, which exploded in mid-air. Despite almost losing a third engine on final approach, pilot Capt. Caldwell landed Spare 617 safely at home base at Tan Son Nhut after loadmasters were able to get the gear to extend using the cranking mechanism. For their actions, Caldwell and Shaub received the Air Force Cross, the U.S. Air Force's second highest award for valor. Shaub also received the William H. Pitsenbarger Award for Heroism from the Air Force Sergeants Association.
The HC-130H Hercules® version is operated by the United States Coast Guard primarily acquired for long-range overwater search missions, support airlift, maritime patrol, North Atlantic Ice Patrol and command and control of search and rescue. The HC-130H can exceed 2,600 nautical miles (4,815km) in low-altitude flight with a mission endurance of up to 14 hours. Equipped with Inertial Navigation Systems (INS), Omega, Loran-C, Global Positioning System (GPS), radar and guidance aids all enhance the HC-130's effectiveness during long-range maritime patrols. It is also have the capability of air dropping rescue equipment to survivors at sea or over open terrain.
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