Lockheed DC-130A Hercules, 570496 / 3203, Avtel Flight Test Inc.
This picture is © Martin Laycock and may not be used or published without permission.
Registration: 570496
Construction Number: 3203
Code Number: 0496 / 496
Model Lockheed DC-130A Hercules
Operator: Avtel Flight Test Inc.
Airport: Mojave (MHV / KMHV), USA - California
Photographer: Martin Laycock
Date Taken: 07/05/1993
Date Submitted: 06/02/2009
Photographed on the ramp at Mojave, this DC-130 still wears the markings of her previous operator the US Navy's VC-3 (Fleet Composite Squadron-3). She was built as a C-130A for the USAF as 57-0496 but was later converted by Lockheed to GC-130A status (later redesignated as a DC-130A). '496' was the first drone controller Hercules and was used initially for Q-4B development. She also flew Lightning Bug flight tests, launched the first Model 147B reconnaissance missions over China and flew many 147 development missions at Pt. Mugu for the Air Force. She served with the 3225 Drone Squadron from March 1963 flying from Holloman AFB; the Air Force Missile Development Center in New Mexico. She was then assigned to the 4472 CCTS / 4453 CCTW, Davis-Monthan AFB, Arizona from August 1968 to July 1970. From 1971-1976 she was operated by the 11 TDS / 355 TFW, Davis-Monthan AFB, and from 1976-1978 the 11 TDS / 432 TDG, also based at Davis-Monthan. Stored at MASDC on 9 January 1979 with inventory code CF025 she left MASDC on 13 March 1979 and was transferred to the US Navy as Bu.No. 570496 with VC-3 at NAS North Island. From 1 April 1985 she was operated by Flight Systems Inc (FSI) at Mojave for contract drone operations, but was then transferred to AFTI (AVTEL Flight Test Inc.) at Mojave on 30 March 1990 used in the same role.
Picture ID:1157180