by Staff Sgt. Heather M. Norris, 52nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs
FARNBOROUGH, England (AFNS) -- Approximately 285,000 spectators are catching a glimpse of the C-130J Super Hercules at the Farnborough International Air Show here July 19 through 25.
Many people's idea about the U.S. military is fighter pilots putting bombs on target and fast-flying jets. The C-130J Super Hercules, however, offers a unique look at the Air Force's mission.
"Once they set foot on our aircraft, they have a different appreciation for what we can do," said Capt. Samuel Bartron, a 37th Airlift Squadron C-130J Super Hercules pilot.
The mission of the C-130J Super Hercules is combat airlift, which is different from strategic airlift. High-altitude, low-opening Army parachute drops, equipment drops, and landing on short runways occur regularly, along with humanitarian missions.
"Many underdeveloped countries we deal with don't have the privileges afforded to others with ease of shipping methods or the infrastructure to facilitate the process," said Staff Sgt. Thomas Parritt, a 37th Airlift Squadron loadmaster.
"The C-130J, a lot of times, is the only aircraft that can reach remote locations other larger planes cannot," Captain Bartron said.
"It's great to show all the different things we can do," Captain Bartron said. "Every day you are doing something different, flying to different places and learning new things. With a fighter jet the public will only get to look inside the cockpit or sit in it if you're lucky, but it is a different experience to walk inside a cargo plane."
The captain added that the sheer size of the cargo bay with this aircraft and the equipment that can be carried is what spectators are interested in seeing.
"We still seem to be surprising a lot of people on what we can do," Sergeant Parritt said.
The C-130J Super Hercules is on static display and will perform flying demonstrations during the 2010 Farnborough International Air Show.