Exercise Orange Bull 2025 is a military training operation conducted by the Royal Netherlands Air Force (RNLAF) from March 24 to April 4, 2025. The exercise focuses on practicing tactical landings, cargo drops, and parachute operations across various locations in the Dutch provinces of North Brabant, Overijssel, Groningen, and parts of Belgium.
As part of the exercise, two C-130H Hercules aircraft from 336 Squadron, based at Eindhoven, performed several landings and take-offs at Twente Airport on 24 and 25 march 2025. These aircraft are further more tasked with executing cargo drops, a critical function of the Air Mobility Command, as demonstrated in recent humanitarian missions such as delivering relief supplies over Gaza.
Integration and cooperation with various military units are central to Exercise Orange Bull. Participating units include the 11th Airmobile Brigade, the Special Forces Brigade, the Marine Corps, and the Defence Para School. Additional support is provided by RNLAF units such as the Air Mobile Protection Team (AMPT) and the Operational Healthcare Service (OGZ).
The Lockheed C-130H Hercules is a medium-heavy transport aircraft. It is particularly intended for transporting military personnel and equipment. It is also used for humanitarian aid flights. Thanks to a rear-loading ramp, the Hercules does not rely on special loading facilities at airports.
Specifications
manufacturer: Lockheed
number: 4 (2 C-130Hs and 2 extended C-130H-30s)
length C-130H: 29.8 metres
length C-130H-30: 34.4 metres
width: 40.5 metres
height: 11.7 metres
engines: 4 Allisons T56-A-15LFE
power: 4,591 hp per engine
weight C-130H: 34. 400 kilos (empty); maximum weight 70,450 kilos (including fuel and payload)
cruising speed: 546 kilometres per hour
maximum speed: 610 kilometres per hour
flying range: approximately 5,500 kilometres
registration numbers: G-273, G-275, G-781 and G-988
colour: grey
in service with: Royal Air Force
Tasks
The Lockheed C-130 is a medium-heavy transport aircraft that can carry up to 17,500 kilos, 128 infantrymen or 92 paratroopers over a distance of about 5,500 kilometres.
