Three Hercules C130 aircraft snapped off the New Forest coast at Isle of Wight Needles as part of farewell flypast

THREE Hercules aircraft made an appearance off the New Forest coast yesterday (Wednesday) as part of their farewell flypast.

Local photographer Graham Wiffen snapped the trio of C-130s off the coast heading towards the Isle of Wight’s Needles.

The tour departed Brize Norton at 10am, soaring over locations in England, Wales, Northern Ireland and Scotland, before returning at 5.05pm.

The first Hercules arrived at Marshall’s of Cambridge in December 1966. Since entering RAF service, originally with 242 Operational Conversion Unit at RAF Thorney Island, it has operated across the globe in support of UK military and humanitarian relief operations.

An RAF spokesman said the transition to the 22-strong Atlas (A400) fleet and other air mobility aircraft had been ongoing for some time.

The Hercules and 47 Squadron will continue to deliver on operations supporting UK defence objectives until 30th June.