Jakarta – Minister of Defense (Menhan) Prabowo Subianto symbolically handed over the fourth C-130J-30 Super Hercules Aircraft to the Chief of the Air Force (Kasau) Marshal Fadjar Prasetyo at Halim Perdanakusuma Air Force Base, Jakarta. The handover ceremony was also witnessed by President Joko Widodo as a tangible form of the country’s defense strengthening commitment.
President Jokowi, in his speech, emphasized the importance of the presence of this aircraft for both war and non-war purposes.
“Being able to carry 120 soldiers and around 20 tons, it is very good for island countries like Indonesia,” said the President.
He also highlighted the capability of the Super Hercules to pass through short runways, according to the conditions of several airports in Indonesia.
“It can fly for about 11 hours nonstop,” he added.
In the context of the preparation of two helicopters undergoing refurbishment, the Fennec AS 550 and the Panther AS 565 MBE, President Jokowi emphasized the importance of thorough preparation.
“Everything must be well prepared. Because that is very important,” said the President.
Minister of Defense Prabowo Subianto emphasized that the handover of the Super Hercules is part of the effort to enhance and optimize Indonesia’s air defense capabilities.
“The procurement program for five C-130J-30 Super Hercules aircraft is a strategic step to strengthen the Indonesian Air Force, especially in the field of tactical transportation,” said Minister of Defense Prabowo.
The C-130J-30 Super Hercules aircraft is the newest and most advanced in its class, with glass cockpit technology and Rolls Royce AR2100D3 Turboprop engines. This aircraft is capable of flying for 11 hours nonstop, taking off, and landing on short runways. In the event, Prabowo also handed over the refurbishment results of the Fennec and Panther helicopters, along with their spare parts, to the Indonesian Army and Navy.
The handover procession ended with the unveiling of the Air Squadron 31 logo curtain, smashing a clay pot, and sprinkling flower water. The event also included the handing over of aircraft miniature keys, souvenirs, jackets, and sunglasses as a symbol of the success of this program.
In this effort, the Ministry of Defense successfully completed the procurement program for five C-130J-30 Super Hercules aircraft, including spare parts, ground support, and training programs for pilots and technicians. A total of 58 personnel, consisting of 12 pilots, 40 technicians, and 6 load masters, were involved in this training program.
The C-130J-30 Super Hercules has proven to be very effective for island countries like Indonesia, with its vast territory and many short runways. With a maximum speed of 410 MPH and the ability to take off at a maximum weight of 164,000 lbs, it is superior to its previous version. (SENOPATI)
Sumber: https://prabowosubianto.com/pesawat-c-130j-30-super-hercules-keempat-diserahkan-ke-tni-au-komitmen-penguatan-pertahanan-negara/