This is why a huge £55m military aircraft is flying over Leeds today

Military planes flying over Leeds have become a common sight during lockdown - and today (Wednesday, March 20) is no different.
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An RAFC-130J Hercules aircraft will be operating in and around the Leeds and Bradford areas this morning while engaged in essential training.

Leeds plane spotters have been spoiled recently, with a C-17 Globemaster flying low over the city only yesterday (Tuesday).

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Posting about today's flight on social media, RAF Brize Norton said: "This morning, our C-130J Hercules aircraft will be operating in the vicinity of Leeds and Bradford, whilst engaged in essential training.

"These are necessary, routine, flights and not connected with RAF support to the UK's fight against Coronavirus."

The Hercules family has the longest continuous production run of any military aircraft in history.

The C-130J is a comprehensive update of the C-130 Hercules, and as of early 2018 400 had been delivered to 17 nations.

The aircraft have a 'flyaway value' of almost £55m.

A C-130 Hercules flying over North Wales in 2018 (photo: 	Wayne Lewis / SWNS.COM)A C-130 Hercules flying over North Wales in 2018 (photo: 	Wayne Lewis / SWNS.COM)
A C-130 Hercules flying over North Wales in 2018 (photo: Wayne Lewis / SWNS.COM)

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