In Active Service – Transport Command

Transport aircraft are the lifeline of an air force, and to fill Australia’s requirement for the Royal Australian Air Force operates four squadrons of medium transport aircraft. Helicopters and special VIP transport aircraft are also operated by the RAAF, and these aircraft will be discussed in further issues later in the series. Two squadrons (36 and 37 Squadrons) of C-130 Hercules medium-haul and one squadron (38 Squadron) of Caribou short-haul aircraft are based at Richmond in New South Wales, and a mixed Caribou/Iroquois helicopter (35 Squadron) operates from Townsville in Northern Queensland.

36 Squadron, equipped with 12 “H” model Hercules, primarily provides tactical transport support for the Australian Army, while 37 Squadron, equipped with 12 earlier “E” model Hercules is responsible for the strategic supply and support of the Australian defence forces. Numbers 35 and 38 Squadron Caribous fill a tactical close army support role and can operate from sub-standard airstrips.

Hercules Squadrons

Number 36 Squadron was formed at Laverton, Victoria, in 1942 with Douglas DC-2 aircraft, which were soon replaced by Dakotas. During the war, the squadron maintained detachments at Australian airfields and was involved in numerous supply missions to New Guinea. Number 37 Squadron was formed In 1943 with Lockheed Lodestar and the smaller Northrop Delta transports, and began regular operations in Western Australia.

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