News Release
September 30, 2016 – Trenton – National Defence / Canadian Armed Forces
C-130 Hercules crews from Australia, Canada, New Zealand and United Kingdom trained and engaged in friendly competition in the skies during Exercise BULLSEYE, a tactical air transport exercise which concluded at 8 Wing Trenton, Ontario, today.
The exercise ran from September 26 to 30 and provided members of the Royal Air Force, Royal Australian Air Force, Royal New Zealand Air Force (as observers) and the Royal Canadian Air Force a unique and collaborative learning opportunity for the tactical operation of the C-130J Hercules transport aircraft.
The C-130J Hercules (designated CC-130J by Canada) is a four-engine, fixed-wing turboprop aircraft that can carry up to 92 combat troops or 128 non-combat passengers. It is used for a wide range of missions, including troop transport, tactical airlift (both palletized and vehicular cargo) and airborne operations. Highlighting the versatility of this aircraft, crews often train to drop cargo by parachute in order to supply military or humanitarian cargo to areas inaccessible by land.
While the exercise enhanced the readiness of participating members, there was also some friendly competition built into the training. The exercise culminated with a tactical air training portion, where participating nations attempted to hit the “bullseye” with a parachute-rigged cargo box. The RCAF, which was closest to the mark, took home the Exercise BULLSEYE trophy.
Quotes
“It was a great honour to host our Commonwealth partner-nations for the first international Exercise BULLSEYE to be held since the C-130J Hercules began joining our respective fleets. This year’s exercise was a fantastic opportunity to exercise and showcase the capabilities of this great airframe, its aircrews and its maintainers.”
Colonel Colin Keiver, 8 Wing Commander
“436 Transport Squadron was proud to participate in this year’s international Exercise BULLSEYE. As the commanding officer of the RCAF’s CC-130J Hercules squadron, I know our crews of highly-skilled and enthusiastic airmen and airwomen represented Canada well. More importantly, I know all participants came away from this exercise with a shared appreciation of each other’s skills and tactics.”
Lieutenant-Colonel Spencer Selhi, Commanding Officer 436 Transport Squadron
Quick Facts
RCAF Lockheed Martin C-130J Hercules.
Photo: DND.
The Royal Canadian Air Force has flown the CC-130J Hercules, since 2010.
Exercise BULLSEYE was an annual exercise from 1975 to 1999, but entered a hiatus while exercise participants transitioned to the new C-130J Hercules from the older C-130H.
While on the outside the CC-130J looks almost identical to the older Hercules, internally the J-model Hercules is essentially a completely new aircraft. The new “Hercs” fly faster, higher and farther, and they carry heavier loads while burning less fuel.
The CC-130J Hercules is flown by 436 Transport Squadron, located at 8 Wing Trenton.
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Photo:
A C-130 J-model Hercules aircraft from the Royal Australian Air Force drops its 10-container cargo load during the final phase of Exercise BULLSEYE held at 8 Wing Trenton, 30 September, 2016.
Photo credit: Corporal Rob Stanley, 8 Wing Imaging.
Associated Links
436 Transport Squadron website
8 Wing Trenton website
CC-130J Hercules website
Contacts
Lieutenant Karyn Blanchette
Department of National Defence
8 Wing Public Affairs
Phone: 613-392-2811 ext 2041
Email: karyn.blanchette@forces.gc.ca
Media Relations
Department of National Defence
Phone: 613-996-2353
Toll-Free: 1-866-377-0811
Email: mlo-blm@forces.gc.ca
Note to media: Would you like to inquire about attending a military exercise in Canada?
Please visit our CAF Exercise Webpage for information about upcoming training events
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