The C-130 Hercules primarily performs the intratheater portion of the airlift mission. The aircraft is capable of operating from rough, dirt strips and is the prime transport for paradropping troops and equipment into hostile areas. Even so, due to the large number of countries which are using this aircraft, the C-130 is also used around the world for heavy airlift duties and employed as a strategic transport aircraft as well.
The C-130 Hercules was designed, ironically, as a turboprop cargo aircraft, to satisfy the urgent transport needs of the US and allies right after the second world war. Meant only as a temporary aircraft, until more powerful, larger jet cargo aircraft will be produced, the C-130 defied all odds and remains in service even today, not only in the US but around the world as well. Furthermore, not only there are no plans of retiring this aircraft from service yet, but new improvements to the aircraft, namely its Julliet model, have ensured the fact this design will remain in active service at least until 2035. Some sources would even state the C-130 will be seen in active service in some parts of the world even after 2050.
The original version was the C-130A, and made its first flight on the 7th of april 1955. C-130A had four Allison T56-A-11 or -9 turboprops. A total of 219 were ordered and deliveries began in December 1956. Two DC-130A's (originally GC-130A's) were built as drone launchers/directors, carrying up to four drones on underwing pylons. All special equipment was removable, permitting the aircraft to be used as freighters, assault transports, or ambulances.
The C-130B introduced Allison T56-A-7 turboprops and the first of 134 entered Air Force service in April 1959. C-130B's are used in aerial fire fighting missions by Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve units. Six C-130B's were modified in 1961 for snatch recovery of classified US Air Force satellites by the 6593rd Test Squadron at Hickam AFB, Hawaii.
Afterwards came an entire array of models, such as the C, D, E1, E2, F, G, H, the new J model; as well as C-130's modified for other types of missions, such as the AC-130, CC-130, WC-130 and EC-130 series.
In its personnel carrier role, the C-130 can accommodate 92 combat troops or 64 fully equipped paratroops on side-facing seats. For medical evacuations, it carries 74 litter patients and two medical attendants. Paratroopers exit the aircraft through two doors on either side of the aircraft behind the landing-gear fairings. Another exit is off the rear ramp for airdrops and is commonly employed by paratroopers around the world, including for special operations.
After Operation Just Cause (Panama, 1989) and the First Gulf War (june 1991), the US Congress has approved the procurement of more C-130H's to replace the aging E models.
 C-130 Hercules performing a sudden dive in order to do a quick drop from low altitude this tactic was also used a lot in Vietnam, where it was invented by Hercules pilots supplying the base defending Khe Sanh
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Aircraft :
C-130
Payload
17.7t Designations : For US Air Force: C-130, AC-130, DC-130, EC-130, HC-130, JC-130, MC-130, RC-130, WC-130 For US Navy C-130, DC-130, EC-130, LC-130 For US Marines: KC-130 For US Coast Guard: HC-130 For Canadian Armed Forces: CC-130 For RAF: C Mk 1, W Mk 2 and C Mk 3 For Civilian use L-100, L-100-20, L-100-30 |
October 1992
The amazing versatility of this aircraft can be proved by the large number of countries which are using it. As such, no less than 2000 aircraft are in active service today, with Air Forces around the world, from Congo to Australia and from Chile to Romania.
C-130J Hercules:
flares ;
1000kgf in plus ;
air conditioned is standard ;
increase in range
decrease in fuel consumption
The amazing C-130 Hercules in a sudden divedrop
C-130 Hercules performing air-to-air refuelingC-130 Hercules is one of the Top 5 most modified, longevive and time-resistent aircraft in the world |
C-130 Hercules This is me in front of the Romanian Air Force C-130B Hercules tail 6166 in the 20th of April 1999 at Tārgu-Mures International Airport |
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1999-2006 by Sorin
A Crasmarelu from Sorin® Air Group