C-130 Hercules crews from Australia, Canada, New Zealand and United Kingdom trained and engaged in friendly competition in the skies during Exercise BULLSEYE, a tactical air transport exercise which concluded at 8 Wing Trenton yesterday (Friday).
The exercise ran from September 26 to 30 and provided members of the Royal Air Force, Royal Australian Air Force, Royal New Zealand Air Force (as observers) and the Royal Canadian Air Force a unique and collaborative learning opportunity for the tactical operation of the C-130J Hercules transport aircraft.
The C-130J Hercules (designated CC-130J by Canada) is a four-engine, fixed-wing turboprop aircraft that can carry up to 92 combat troops or 128 non-combat passengers. It is used for a wide range of missions, including troop transport, tactical airlift (both palletized and vehicular cargo) and airborne operations. Highlighting the versatility of this aircraft, crews often train to drop cargo by parachute in order to supply military or humanitarian cargo to areas inaccessible by land.
While the exercise enhanced the readiness of participating members, there was also some friendly competition built into the training. The exercise culminated with a tactical air training portion, where participating nations attempted to hit the “bullseye” with a parachute-rigged cargo box. The Royal Canadian Air Force, which was closest to the mark, took home the Exercise BULLSEYE trophy.
