Three old model Hercules transport aircraft will fly out from RAF Lyneham for the last time on Sunday.

The aircraft are the first three of 25 old C-130Ks to be returned to Lockheed Martin in the USA under the contract that also covers the supply of the brand new C-130J. A total of 25 J models were ordered, and 15 of them are now at Lyneham.

The return of the old aircraft coincides with Remembrance Sunday.

Christopher Bartle, Lyneham community relations officer, said: "The K models are to be flown away in batches of three, with nine aircraft going before Christmas, the final lot crossing the Atlantic next March.

"Aircrew and groundcrew at Lyneham are sad to see their old faithfuls leaving after so many years good service. Each of the aircraft was involved in many conflicts, including the Falklands Crisis, the Gulf War, Bosnia and Kosovo.

"Some of them helped to deliver thousands of tons of food and other relief supplies to many parts of the world in times of famine, conflict or natural disaster.

"The Station is now looking forward to using its brand new J models alongside the remaining 25 refurbished Ks."

Some of the old aircraft have been out of use since February this year.

Squadron Leader Greg Cook of Lyneham's Number 24 Squadron is the project officer for their return to the USA, and he will fly one to America himself.

Crews from Numbers 30 and 57 Squadrons will fly the other two Hercules out at half hour intervals. They will make a night stop in Gander, Newfoundland, and clear US customs at Bangor in Maine before landing at Sussex County Airfield, Delaware.

It will then be Greg's job to give each one a check flight to ensure its serviceability before it is handed over to Lockheed Martin. Under the C-130J contract they have bought back the old K models for refurbishment and re-sale.

The three Hercules have given good service with the RAF since their delivery in 1967. Between them they have clocked up nearly 70,000 flying hours. One of them, XV223, was the first of Lyneham's aircraft to be stretched to the Mark 3 configuration, which is 15 feet longer than the Mark 1. This was done in October 1979, and eventually 30 of the Hercules fleet underwent this modification, which gave an extra 37 per cent bulk carrying capacity. The other two aircraft to fly away on Sunday are original Mark 1s.