European Stars and Stripes (Newspaper) - September 22, 1967, Darmstadt, Hesse                                Page 8 the stars and stripes Friday september 22, 1967 for Rescue recovery Hercules is af9s new Workhorse by Amis Nixon staff writer Lajes Field azores is an Aerial Workhorse bridged the Gap Between air and space age when it became the official tool of the . Air Force aerospace Rescue and recovery  new version of the her Cules series the hc130h is the first aircraft specifically de signed to meet current and future Rescue operations require ments. Aging hc54d Rescue masters in service with the57th aerospace Rescue and re covery so Here were replace with the newly designed her  specially equipped hc130hs have More powerful engines 4,900-hp Allison and longer Range than conventionalc130s. An array of new communications and electronic equipment include duplicate systems so the Mission can continue even if one system fails. For space missions Uii spacecraft tracking equipment supplies exact bearings on re entering space ships. A new recovery system the Fulton Skyhook allows persons is photos by Merle Hunter fuel capacity of 13,272 Gallons Whf Cli make possible flights to Points 2,150 nautical Miles away search for and recover men or objects for an hour an return to take off base. The hc130h carries a Crew of 10 on actual Rescue missions including two pilots a Navi Gator a radio operator two flight mechanics two parades Nemen and two Toad masters who Are also scanners and re covery system operators. Paperwork a. Sgt. Willie Poole checks plane s maintenance log. Or objects to be snatched from either land sea or ice by the Hercules while in  overhead cargo delivery system deploys bundles of specialized gear through the rear loading ramp during flight. Itis automatic in that an Infa Vel Mcter provides for Sequen tial or simultaneous release of equipment As desired. Fortnight or Day search and recovery an automatic flare launcher 10 tubes discharges flares smoke or sea Dye  24-foot, a shaped Yoke extends from the nose of the Hercules which guides balloon lines into the sky Anchor Gearon the nose of the plane also Locking the line. The Balloo Breaks away at a designated weak Point in the line to Rise quickly into the atmosphere and explodes or deflates a about 35,000 feet Altitude. Two 1,800 gallon fuselage tanks give the Hercules a total eyeballing plane gets visual Check before each Takeoff. More pre-flight1ngsm. Sgt. James Chambers 1 Eft dons earphones for pre flight checkoff while m. Sgt. James Ross updates Load records prior to Takeoff