As part of efforts to strengthen its strategic airlift capabilities, the Ecuadorian Air Force recently completed inspections of the C-130H Hercules aircraft, tail number FAE-898. This aircraft was transferred by the United States in 2024 as part of a bilateral cooperation agreement announced by U.S. Southern Command, becoming a key reinforcement for the country’s heavy transport fleet.
The 1111st Heavy Transport Squadron “Cóndor” oversaw the 35-day isochronous inspection conducted on the FAE-898. Critical tasks carried out during the process included a complete review of the landing gear and conversion of the liquid oxygen system to a gaseous system. In parallel, crews maintained continuous simulator training, ensuring that both the aircraft and its personnel are fully prepared to undertake operational, logistical, and humanitarian missions.
The return to service of the C-130H FAE-898 is particularly important in the current context of the Ecuadorian Air Force (FAE). For more than four decades, Ecuador operated a fleet composed of three C-130Hs, four C-130Bs, and one L-100-30, all assigned to Transport Wing No. 11 at Cotopaxi Air Base. However, over the years, most of these aircraft went out of service, leaving only the L-100-30 Hercules operational until the arrival of the new aircraft.
The FAE-898 has an extensive prior history. It originally flew with the U.S. Air Force (USAF) under the tail number 74-1689 and was later transferred to the Afghan Air Force, where it operated with the number 1689 from 2012. Its arrival at Latacunga Air Base was announced in 2023 and completed the following year, as part of military cooperation with Washington. The transfer also represents a political and strategic gesture by the U.S. government to support Ecuador’s security efforts.
With the return to service of the FAE-898 Hercules, the Ecuadorian Air Force not only expands the availability of its heavy transport assets but also regains a strategic tool for humanitarian support, force projection, and long-range logistical missions. This represents a step that reaffirms the institution’s commitment to keeping its equipment in optimal condition to respond effectively to the country’s needs.
*Image credits: Ecuadorian Air Force
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