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This is the incredible moment an RAF Hercules stood out loud and proud on a North Devon beach.

The winter sun's rays beamed down across Saunton Sands as the huge C-130J military aircraft circled and landed, to the astonishment of everyone around.

It hovered across the coast before dipping down and racing across the beach, before another quick burst of speed and an explosion of sound saw it take off again.

It's not the first time the C-130 class has made its presence known at the popular surfer spot, with locals posting impressive video and pictures through the years of its incredible form.

People were in admiration today as they saw the aircraft in action, with some taking to social media to boast about the sight.

Braunton surfer Rachel Hoult, 25, had just finished up on the beach when she saw the suspected routine military exercise unfold.

(Image: Rachel Hoult)

She then quickly got out her camera to capture the cool moment.

"As I came off the beach I saw some military and RAF vehicles as well as fire engines and an ambulance," she said.

"I asked if there was something going on and someone said the Hercules was heading in and landing.

"At that point it was circling around Saunton, I'm not sure what else.

(Image: Rachel Hoult)

"I was told it was due to be coming in yesterday but the conditions weren't right.

"I suspected it was some sort of exercise.

"I surf down here all the time, I only live just down the road. It's definitely not something you see everyday."

Hercules aircraft are often spotted flying over North Devon and regularly take part in training exercises at the nearby Chivenor military base.

Hercules C-130J - what is it? The Hercules is the RAF’s primary tactical transport aircraft and in its current C.Mk 4 and C.Mk 5 versions of the C-130J-30 and C-130J, respectively, has been the backbone of UK operational tactical mobility tasks since it was brought into service in 1999. It is frequently employed to operate into countries or regions where there is a threat to aircraft; its performance, tactics and defensive systems make it the ideal platform for such tasks. Capability The aircraft is highly flexible, with the ability to airdrop a variety of stores and paratroopers, and operate from natural surface landing zones. To conduct these missions it is vital that Hercules crews are highly skilled in low-level flying. The aircraft performs in the same roles at night using night-vision goggles (NVGs), while station keeping equipment (SKE) enables it to remain in formation during poor weather. Long-range capabilities are enhanced with air-to-air refuelling, while the Air Survival Rescue Apparatus may be mounted in the cabin for search and rescue missions, enabling the Hercules to airdrop life rafts and emergency supplies.

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