How the RNLAF’s C-130 unit is transitioning to the MC-390
The ‘Black Bulls’ of 336 Squadron, Royal Netherlands Air Force RNLAF, are currently transitioning from the Lockheed Martin C-130H to the Embraer MC-390. Overseeing this transformation is the air arm’s new commander, Lt Gen André ‘Jabba’ Steur, who is ensuring the squadron lives up to its motto: ‘Fight tonight, fight tomorrow, fight together’.
The Black Bulls currently operate four Lockheed Martin C-130Hs: two C-130H-30s, G-273 (c/n 382-5273) and G-275 (c/n 382-5275), and two C-130Hs, G-781 (c/n 382-4781) and G-988 (c/n 382-4988). The unit comprises 14 pilots (with four more in training at the time of writing), 18 loadmasters and 16 flight engineers.
Future tactical airlift
Aligning with Gen Steur’s vision, there is significant change ahead for 336 Sqn. It involves embracing new doctrinal and tactical concepts, such as agile combat employment (ACE) – the US Air Force’s evolving operational strategy necessitated by advances in adversary reconnaissance and weapons capabilities – and with the C-130H reaching the end of its life with the RNLAF. After 45 years in service, the four Hercules will be replaced by the Embraer MC-390 Millennium. The formal contract has yet to be signed, but it is increasingly likely that, over the next seven years, 336 will expand to 15 crews with five new MC-390s.
Lt Col Diesel, the MC-390 transition team leader, explained why the Brazilian type was chosen: “There are many positives. We can still land on small dirt strips, still drop paras and still fly as tactically as we do now. But the MC-390 will enable us to move the same volume of payload faster and over a greater range.”
As an example of this operational efficiency, the current standard load on sorties to Mali comprises five pallets and takes an average of four days turnaround in the C-130H. This time will be halved to two days when operating the MC-390. Currently, developing mission tapes for the self-protection systems of the C-130H took a long time. Electromagnetic warfare (EW) technology is changing at a fast pace and near peer opposition may outpace the unit if this continues. Elbit delivers in-country reprogramming (ICR) labs that, in theory, should enable the unit to update their MC-390 mission tapes within a day.
The RNLAF’s acquisition of the Millennium is the first instance of the type being referred to as the MC-390. Diesel noted: “It’s not just a tanker-transport, but so much more. Since it is so versatile in its capabilities, it should be designated MC-390. For example, the Leonardo weather radar also has a SAR mapping capability, while the Rafael Litening 5 electro-optical (EO) sensor allows for pattern-of-life assessments. In addition, the existing aeromedical evacuation capability will be upgraded with sophisticated onboard patient care equipment. So there is a significant increase in capabilities being added to the Armed Forces of the Netherlands, making this aircraft a true ‘Swiss army knife’.”
The squadron's future focus will be on mastering the multi-mission capabilities of the MC-390. This includes functions such as tactical air-to-air refuelling, both buddy-buddy and for receivers like special operations forces (SOF) helicopters, pattern-of-life assessment of an objective area and communications relay for SOF ground forces.
The current expected timeline is for the first aircraft to be delivered in 2027, with entry-into-service six months later after build-in of the government furnished equipment. After delivery of the second MC-390, the C-130s will be phased out.
In preparation for this, new simulators will arrive prior to the aircraft. Furthermore, the MC-390 transition team will head abroad in 2024 for the qualification and instructor training on type. Thereafter, this team will start designing the new mission qualification training programme, with the goal of developing tactical operating procedures and other building blocks to shape a military approved training organisation (MATO). The MC-390 MATO must be able to produce crews who are qualified to perform airland and airdrop missions, both at night and in a degraded visual environment with threats. Moreover, these crews must also develop new skills, such as air-to-air refuelling, proficiency in the use of a complex communications suite and handling of the EO sensor.
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