Support aircraft for Turkish Stars.

Support aircraft for Solo Turk F-16s.

Turkey became a Hercules operator in 1964, receiving five new C-130E's which were later supplemented by three more of the same version. Then in 1991/92, Turkey received six 2nd hand surplus C-130B from the USAF, among them 57-0527 pictured here during exercise Anatolian Eagle 2016. Having been manufactured in 1958, 57-0527 is the oldest C-130 the TuAF ever operated. As from 2010, the TuAF also received six C-130E's from the Royal Saudi AF, bringing the total number of C-130 operated by Turkey to 20. The 19 remaining airframes have recently undergone a life extension program known as ERCIYES.

Another veteran C-130B at the ready on 222 Filo's flightline. My 2011 shot of the same aircraft at Izmir (photo #1375) shows it in the previous unit markings, soon after being repainted from brown/green camouflage to the ubiquitous grey overall. Soon after acquisition from the USAF in the late 1980s, it was upgraded with ERCIYES avionics mods.

Awaiting next mission on the 222 Filo flightline. Ex Saudi 1609

One of about a dozen C-130Es on the strength of the resident 222 Filo

One of six veteran C-130B's still operating with 222 Filo

Landing Rwy 12 for a night stop before heading to the US.

Parked overnight on the North Side at Prestwick after returning eastbound transatlantic the previous evening. Carries the markings of the Turkish Air Force's 222 Filo, "Alev" (Flame), based at Kayseri / Erkilet. . Previously on the strength of the Royal Saudi Air Force from 1968, joining the Turkish Air Force ( Türk Hava Kuvvetleri ) in 2010.

Parked up on a stopover heading from the States back home.

TUAF403 coming in from Gander in the last rays of light.

Arrived from Turkey early this morning for crew rest.

Pictured taxiing out to rw07L for departure.