The C-130 Hercules
The C-130 Hercules primarily performs the tactical portion of the airlift mission. The aircraft is capable of operating from rough, dirt strips and is the prime transport for airdropping troops and equipment into hostile areas. The C-130 operates throughout the US Air Force, serving with Air Mobility Command, Air Force Special Operations Command, Air Combat Command, US Air Forces in Europe, Pacific Air Forces, Air National Guard and the Air Force Reserve Command, fulfilling a wide range of operational missions in both peace and war situations. Basic and specialized versions of the aircraft airframe perform a diverse number of roles, including airlift support, Antarctic ice resupply, aeromedical missions, weather reconnaissance, aerial spray missions, firefighting duties for the US Forest Service and natural disaster relief missions.
The US Air Force and air forces from allied nations used various versions of this versatile aircraft for aeromedical evacuation, mid-air refueling of helicopters, mid-air space capsule recovery, search and rescue, reconnaissance, as a gunship, and for many other missions.
“Buddy Start”
The C-130 has a procedure called a “Buddy Start” that is defined as an engine start utilising the propeller blast of another aircraft to effect engine starting.
Cy Birr, retired USAF pilot after 24 years flying the C-130, explains on Quora;
‘One aircraft for some reason is unable to start an engine but has an otherwise usable set of engines. Typically, this is because of a lack of bleed air to run each engine’s starter or the failure of the starter itself.
‘The flight manual details the procedure as the “Buddy Start.” Found in section 3B of the C-130 -1 flight manual, the steps are roughly as follows.
‘Establish communications after a thorough briefing. Position outside observers to assist in keeping the area clear.
C-130 Hercules “Buddy Start”
‘The aircraft to receive the assist removes the starter or ensures it is fully disengaged from the engine (valve housing).
‘The aircraft position themselves in close proximity with one engine in direct line with the receiving aircraft’s engine to be started. The flight manual recommends a distance of about ten feet of open space between the two aircraft.
‘The providing aircraft applies power as necessary to start rotation of the other plane’s propeller. The receiving aircraft initiates the start sequence (Condition Lever – RUN, think on/off switch) and the engine should spool up, no problem.’
Birr concludes;
‘There are a number of variations to this but the above captures the basics. Additionally, a C-130 can receive an assist from any other large aircraft such as a C-17 or KC-type aircraft.
‘I have personally provided the assistance getting a squadron mate out of a barren field in North Africa. My crew did not have to buy drinks that night.’
Here’s a video featuring a C-130 Hercules “Buddy Start”.
Photo from video screenshot