Lockheed Martin C130 Hercules | Tactical transport aircraft

Lockheed Martin C130 Hercules

Militarymedia.net - The Lockheed Martin C130 Hercules was first flown in 1954. It is currently the most popular and widely used military transport aircraft in the West. It operates with more than 60 operators worldwide. In most cases, the C-130 is the largest cargo aircraft in their inventory. Deliveries began in 1956. As of 2015 this type has been in production for 61 years. As of 2015 a total of 2,500 of these airlifters have been built. So the Hercules is one of the most formidable, most adaptable and significant military transport aircraft in the world.

This aircraft was originally intended for troop/cargo transport and medical evacuation. The C130 Hercules can carry 92 passengers, 72 full troops or 64 paratroopers.

This airlifter is renowned for its reliability. The C130 Hercules is capable of short takeoffs and landings from unprepared runways.

Throughout much of its career, the C130's basic airframe has changed very little. A versatile airframe has found use in a variety of roles. A number of special variants appeared. Over 40 C130 models were built. This includes search and rescue, reconnaissance, electronic intelligence, combat, refueling, maritime patrol and firefighting. A stretched fuselage option is available. The most important variants are mentioned below.

Several variants of the Hercules C130:

C130A Hercules

Early production model C130A. This airlifter served during the Vietnam War.

C130B Hercules

Improved C130B model, introduced in 1959. Improved engine, new propellers and increased fuel capacity.

C-130D Hercules

The C130D aircraft is equipped or refitted with giant skis. This is basically the C130A model.

C-130E Hercules

C130E long range model, equipped with external fuel tank. It also had a more powerful engine and improved avionics. This model entered service in 1962 (491 built).

The C130F, C130G and KC-130F aerial refueling tankers, equipped with a removable fuel tank in the cargo compartment.

C-130 Hercules

Upgraded C130H model, equipped with an updated engine and upgraded avionics. Its deliveries began in 1964 and remain the workhorse of the USAF tactical transport fleet. This variant is also in service with most European air guns (1,089 built).

C130J Super Hercules

The C130J Super Hercules, the latest production and a much improved variant, is equipped with new engines and avionics. It is in service with England as Hercules C.5.

C130K model export to UK. Locally referred to as Hercules C.1.

Long-range search and rescue variant HC130N/P, used by the US Air Force.