The long-range raid exercise at the MCAS of Yuma

Every year, MCAS of Yuma does an exercise called the long-range raid and this year the plan was to have the KC-130 Hercules carry out the mission. The long-range raid is an operation where WTI students are able to hone in on their planning and execution skills. It is meant to train students as if they were in real world operations. Common missions for the Hercules aircrafts are to provide tactical transport of troops and cargo, air-to-air refueling and aerial delivery. E mergency re-supply, medical evacuation from unimproved landing zones, emergency evacuation of personnel and key equipment, battlefield illumination, multi-sensor image reconnaissance and close air support. As a tactical transport, the KC-130 can also be configured as a medical evacuation platform capable of carrying 74 patients on stretchers and their attendants. The flight range of a KC-130 is approximately 3,548 nautical miles. KC-130 pilot Tyler Burnum explains the process that was suppose to take place today. “Today what we’re doing is planning a movement with 5 KC-130’s and as well as 10 NV-22 Ospreys. The movements going to be a long range movement, so long distance with all those aircraft troops and supplies, all the way out to New Mexico,” said Burnham. The KC-130 aircraft can carry 92 ground troops or 64 paratroopers with equipment. Another main objective of the exercise is to provide fuel for other aircrafts.