C-130 Hercules

The Lockheed C-130 Hercules is a four-engine turboprop aircraft that serves as the main tactical airlifter for military forces worldwide. Capable of landing and taking off from short or unprepared runways, it was initially a troop transport and cargo aircraft that is now also used for a wide variety of other roles, including airborne assault, weather reconnaissance, aerial refuelling, aerial firefighting and medevac. There are more than 40 models of the Hercules, including several gunships, and it is widely used by more than 50 nations. Over more than 50 years of service, the C-130 family has established a solid record of reliability and durability, participating in military, civilian and humanitarian aid operations.

Related Topics:
Turboprop - Aircraft - Tactical airlift - Landing - Taking off - Runway - Troop transport - Cargo aircraft - Airborne assault - Aerial refuelling - Aerial firefighting - Medevac - Gunship - Humanitarian aid

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

The C-130 family has the longest continuous production run of any military aircraft in history. The first YC-130 prototype flew on August 23, 1954 from the Lockheed plant in Burbank, California. The aircraft, serial number 53-3397, was piloted by Stanley Beltz and Roy Wimmer. After the two prototypes were completed, production moved to Marietta, GA, where more than 2,000 C-130s have been built.

Related Topics:
Prototype - August 23 - 1954 - Lockheed - Burbank, California - Stanley Beltz - Roy Wimmer - Marietta, GA

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~