United States Donates C-130H Hercules Military Cargo Aircraft to Botswana.

The United States government has officially donated a C-130H Hercules military cargo aircraft to the Botswana Defence Force (BDF). This aircraft aims to enhance Botswana's defense capabilities and support humanitarian and emergency response missions both nationally and within the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region.
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Initially used by the US Air Force, the C-130H Hercules arrived in Botswana on May 24, 2024. (Picture source: US DoD)

Initially used by the US Air Force, the C-130H Hercules arrived in Botswana on May 24, 2024. The official handover took place on June 27, 2024, during a ceremony at Sir Seretse Khama International Airport (GBE). This event coincided with the Africa Chiefs of Defence Conference, hosted in Botswana.

US Ambassador to Botswana, Howard Van Vranken, emphasized the importance of this donation by stating, "The transfer of this aircraft from the United States to Botswana is a testament to how the US and Botswana work together to further their shared commitment to peace, security, and prosperity in the region." He added, "The United States is honored to play a role in ensuring that the Botswana Defence Force can perform vital missions not only in Botswana but also, if necessary, regionally."

The C-130H Hercules, valued at $30 million, was provided through the US Excess Defense Articles Program, which allows the US to transfer surplus defense equipment to foreign governments or international organizations.

According to the US Embassy in Gaborone, this donation aligns with the US Strategy Toward Sub-Saharan Africa, focusing on security cooperation and capacity building.

The Lockheed C-130 Hercules is a military transport aircraft designed by Lockheed and Lockheed Martin, renowned for its toughness and versatility. This aircraft has been in service since 1956, following its first flight on August 23, 1954. The unit cost of a C-130 Hercules varies by model, with the C-130H costing around $30.1 million. More than 2,700 units of this aircraft have been built, demonstrating its success and utility.

The C-130 Hercules can accommodate a crew consisting of two pilots, a flight engineer, a navigator, and a loadmaster for the C-130A to H versions, while the C-130J requires only two pilots and a loadmaster. It is powered by four Allison T-56-A-15 or Rolls-Royce AE 2100 turboprop engines, each providing 4,300 horsepower.

The aircraft features a wingspan of 40.41 meters, a length of 29.79 meters, and a height of 11.9 meters, with a wing area of 162.12 square meters. In terms of weight, it has an empty weight of 33,063 kilograms and can carry up to 36,100 kilograms of fuel. With armament, it reaches a weight of 70,310 kilograms, and its maximum weight is 79,380 kilograms.

It can reach a cruising speed of 540 km/h and a maximum speed of 592 km/h. Its operational ceiling is 7,010 meters, and it can climb at a rate of 580 meters per minute. Its range varies depending on the load carried, extending up to 5,470 kilometers with a normal load and around 3,800 kilometers with a maximum load.

These characteristics make the C-130 Hercules a leading military transport aircraft, capable of performing a wide variety of missions, ranging from transporting troops and equipment to conducting relief and logistical support operations in conflict zones or areas affected by natural disasters.