Elite RAF soldiers race to train on new cutting edge Atlas transport planes before Hercules retires

ELITE airborne Pathfinders swoop on to a beach as they race to train on planes replacing the RAF Hercules.

The Sun joined pilots at Pembrey Sands in Wales as they delivered the paras and two WMIK Land Rovers.

Simon Jones

This RAF C-130 Hercules will enjoy a final turn in the skies on Saturday[/caption]

Simon Jones

Jerome Starkey joined the pathfinders on the A400m Atlas Airbus as they practice beach landings in South Wales[/caption]

They were carried on board the new Atlas A400M, transport planes that can carry up to 116 fully equipped paratroopers — and land on as little as 850 yards of dirt.

Wing Commander Gav Anderson called it “the best transport plane the RAF has ever had.

“It can land and take off on just 800 yards of dirt, sand or grass.

“The former Hercules pilot who served in Iraq and Afghanistan said it was only a “matter of months” before parachute issues were fixed.”

He added: “The Atlas is a fantastic aircraft.

“It can carry twice as much cargo, fly 50 per cent further and 25 per cent faster.

“It is fun to fly and can do a lot of crunchy shit.

“Of course we will miss the Hercules and if money was no option we would keep both planes.”

The Hercules will enjoy a final fly on Saturday, for the King’s birthday.

Simon Jones

The RAF’s Hercules replacement can carry twice as much cargo and fly further/faster than it’s predecessor[/caption]