Monday, 27 July 2015

Mystery Plane

This 'plane came over at lunchtime today, flying north over the Sound then turning so it probably flew over the lighthouse. I had assumed it was an 'ordinary' Hercules C130 transport until I looked closely at the picture.  It has no markings, a more bulbous 'belly', and what look like additional long-distance tanks under the wings. Has anyone any idea what it is?
at

7 comments:

  1. stuarta27 July 2015 at 15:31

    It looks like a 'Sea Hercules' as used by the Canadians.

    http://www.lockheedmartin.co.uk/us/products/c130/c-130j-variants/sc-130j.html

    ReplyDelete
  2. Jon27 July 2015 at 15:35

    Thank you - that certainly looks like it. Jon

    ReplyDelete
  3. Anonymous27 July 2015 at 18:04

    It is an MC130J based at Mildenhall and operated by the USA.
    http://www.lockheedmartin.co.uk/us/products/c130/c-130j-variants/mc-130j-commando-ii.html

    ReplyDelete
  4. Jon27 July 2015 at 18:45

    Many thanks. Do you know why it appears to have no markings? Jon

    ReplyDelete
  5. Anonymous27 July 2015 at 19:55

    Jon some USAF planes have "low light" markings. I think this may be one.
    If you enlarge picture, above the rear white stripe on the fuselage there seems to be a USAF decal.
    Peter C

    ReplyDelete
  6. Jon27 July 2015 at 19:59

    Thanks, Peter. Jon

    ReplyDelete
  7. Unknown28 July 2015 at 16:15

    Saw one of these this afternoon over Ely on approach to Mildenhall.

    ReplyDelete