C-130J flight tracker

Four years after the New Zealand Government announced the announced the C-130J-30 Hercules would replace the Royal New Zealand Air Force’s (RNZAF) C-130H aircraft, we are about to welcome the full fleet to their new home in Base Auckland.

The five new aircraft were built by Lockheed Martin at their premises in Marietta, Georgia, in the United States and will all have been flown by RNZAF crews to New Zealand by the end of the year. The first C-130J touched down in Auckland on September 4 and has already flown to air bases around the country and soon will be taking a long-distance flight to Antarctica. The remaining C-130H aircraft, flown by No 40 Squadron, will be retired on January 31, 2025.

NZ7011 arrives to Base Auckland

The new aircraft will bring the same rugged, all-purpose functionality, as their predecessors, enhanced by their greater range, speed and capacity. Like the C-130H fleet, they can operate from short or makeshift airstrips, and they have new specialist capabilities, including high-speed satellite systems. They will also take up the mantle of delivering essential military air effects for New Zealand at home and around the world, flying to almost every continent and operational theatres.

The C-130Js’ additional capabilities will open up expanded roles to meet the needs of New Zealand and our partners – and in today’s complex environment, the need for interoperability with our ally Australia and our Defence partners is a crucial element of successful military air operations.

“The Hercules has been the backbone of our force, whether deploying in their own right or supporting our soldiers, sailors and aviators on other missions."

~ Chief of Defence Force, Air Marshal Tony Davies

Hercules 7012 & 7013 tracker

29 September 2024

1700

Kia ora koutou! Our second and third C-130J Hercules have landed at their new home at Base Auckland, Whenuapai.

As the aircraft arrived in New Zealand, our C-130Js were the two most tracked flights in the world on FlightRadar24.

1030

Our newest C-130J Hercules are about to depart Samoa, and we have some exciting news for Northland.

NZ7012 and NZ7013 will be flying a route from Kaitaia to Whenuapai this afternoon, weather conditions permitting.

Timings (estimated):

Kaitaia: 3.25pm
Kerikeri: 3.40pm
Whangārei: 3.55pm
Omaha: 4.10pm
North Shore: 4.20pm
Whenuapai: 4.30pm

Follow the flights on FlightRadar24 (external link) for up to d-to-timings.
28 September 2024

0900

NZ7012 and NZ7013 have departed Hickam Air Force Base, Hawaii and are en route to Faleolo Airport, Apia, Samoa.

1700

The pair have now completed the penultimate leg of their journey and landed at Faleolo Airport, Apia, Samoa. Talofa lava.
26 September 2024

The next two aircraft in our C-130J Hercules fleet have left Travis Air Force Base in California and landed at Hickam Air Force Base, Hawaii. Aloha!

NZ7012 and crew at Faleolo Airport, Apia, Samoa.

Pre-flight checks are completed in Hawaii. Ready for take off.

Pre-flight checks are completed in Hawaii. Ready for take off.

Pre-flight checks are completed in Hawaii. Ready for take off.

Hercules 7011

11 September 2024

Our new C-130J Hercules took its first flight over New Zealand on Wednesday 11 September. These flights enabled the crew to start the aircraft’s testing and evaluation programme.

Below is the conducted flight schedule:

Base Auckland - 0900
Base Ohakea - 1010 - 1110
Christchurch airport - 1225 - 1325
Base Woodbourne - 1415 - 1515
Base Auckland - 1640
10 September 2024

The Chief of Defence Force, Air Marshal Tony Davies, joined Defence Minister Judith Collins in welcoming the first of the Royal New Zealand Air Force’s (RNZAF) new C-130J Hercules fleet at a ceremony at RNZAF Base Auckland.
4 September 2024

C-130J Hercules, NZ7011 has arrived at RNZAF Base Auckland, marking the first delivery of the new fleet. The remaining four aircraft will be delivered in the coming months.