HC-97G

[Julien (UK)]

Does anyone have any information, or know where to find any info on the HC-97G.

I cant seem to find very much on the net at all. I know many were not converted.

Looking especially for info on the antenna's they had on the sides.

Thanks

Julien

[gmat]

Information is pretty sparse. Apparently they were procured to support the US Space Program and were later supplanted/replaced with the HC-130H/P/Ns. They were initially assigned to active duty rescue units around the world. It is not clear if the crews were active duty or seconded reserve crews like with the some HU-16s seen in SEA or Alaska during the mid and late sixties. When replaced in active units by HC-130s they were assigned to reserve units and more clearly marked with the AF reserve insignia or had unit numbers displayed on the aircraft.

I think that the side antenna that you are asking about is the yagi antenna that look like the WWII 'Rebecca' antenna that were mounted on the fuselage side and to the rear of the cockpit. Not all aircraft had them and they seem to show up first on aircraft in the Pacific and SEA region. Some HU-16Bs (33rd ARS/ARRS at Naha), early 60s PACAF C-130As and also the WC-130As, all in the Far East/SEA have also had this antenna installed. Possibly some HC-54Ds in the Far East might have had them. I don't think that they were associated with the Space Program. The upper radome is the same as seen on KC-97Ls but the fairing on the rear belly seems longer and more angular. I would modify the kit fairing.

See here for some photos.

http://www.gonavy.jp/bbs1/index.cgi?page:60=v

Best wishes,.

Grant

[Jennings]

They look pretty much like Grant said - WWII Rebecca antennas. They were set at a slight nose-down angle, mounted in the forward most round cabin window on both sides. Here's a blow up of my HC-97G instruction sheet drawing from my big decal set...

HTH,

J

[Julien (UK)]

Cheers guys.

The help and photos are welcome.

Our club is doing as its theme for Telford this year "International Rescue" I like to think a little outside the norm so though a HC-97G would qualify for that once I saw the option on the decal sheet.

Julien