Possible, although the Argentine a/c were carrying much heavier cargo
loads into Stanley while going light on fuel. Fursdon, who flew down
from Ascension in July, flew in one of the probe and auxiliary-tank
modified C-130s. The forward part of the cabin was almost full of two
cylindrical fuel tanks, leaving just enough room on either side for
pax in the fold-up seats, while the rear was carrying cargo and pax.
It was also necessary for the a/c to tank twice on the way down, to
give them enough fuel in case they had to abort the mission for
weather and return to Ascension. The trip was about 14 hours one-way,
and one of the RAF loadmasters told Fursdon that one of the a/c had
required three round-trips before it was finally able to land at
Stanley, aborting over the airfield on both of the incomplete
missions. 28 hours straight in a Herc would tax just about any
passenger, and to have to do it three times in a short period would
definitely not be on my wish list.

Guy

It is fascinating that the only supply chain for spares to the task force in
1982 was to fly the spare part to Wideawake, then do the 28 hour round trip
by C130 (with multiple refuelings from Victors) to drop the part in a water
tight bag (and float) to be picked up by a RN helo and transfered to the
required ship!! It was of note that the maximum speed of the C130 was below
the stall speed of a Victor unless both were in a dive - so that's how you
refueled. The RN was kept fully operational in this manner with no ships
falling out of the line for lack of spares! It is a bit like invading Japan
from California with only the Midway airfield available in the middle!

David