The Lockheed Martin C130A Hercules is one of the world's most powerful transport aircraft. It has been in service for over 60 years and is still being used today by many countries. Originally designed to transport troops, the aircraft has evolved into a workhorse that flies commercial and military missions. The C130 family is capable of performing a wide range of missions.
Since 1954 when it was first flown, the C130 Hercules aircraft has been flown hundreds of times and used in many other countries. In fact, the airframe has been used to perform more than 20 million flight hours and accumulated more than 20 percent of the world's total flying time. The aircraft is considered a great workhorse. There are many variations available to meet any mission's requirements.
One of the first C-130 variants to enter service was the C130H, which was equipped with a new engine. This model included avionics upgrades, as well an external fuel container. The C-130E variant was an upgraded model with a new engine. A fuel tank was also installed in the cargo box.
During Vietnam War, A-model Hercules performed classified special operation missions such as FLARE/BLIND BAT FAC/FAC. These aircrews have also performed countless relief operations around the globe. They have flown military supplies to hot areas and attacked ground targets using cannons.
With many variants, C-130 can take off from and land at short runways. Several types of Hercules models can be configured for a variety of cargo types, including palletized equipment and containers delivered by truck. The aircraft's unmatched versatility and proven performance make it the favorite aircraft in the United States and other countries, regardless of what the requirements may be.
Today, the C-130 Hercules is the preferred choice of the US government for resupply operations, search and rescue, and transportation. This aircraft was involved in many operations including the 2003 invasion, as well as the Gulf War of91. The aircraft was operationally used by Australia, the United Kingdom, USA, and Australia during the 2003 invasion. The C-130, which was at an altitude approximately 50 meters, was captured and destroyed by insurgents during the conflict. Despite this incident, the aircraft continued to be used in the Middle East and Southeast Asia.
It has participated in many humanitarian missions including the rescue of 103 passengers from Entebbe Airport, Uganda. This mission is unique in that it is the only aircraft to accomplish this feat. The aircraft has also been used for oil dispersing in the Gulf of Mexico. Many of the aircraft have been deployed in the International Security Assistance Force (Operation Enduring Freedom), and are still used to this day. The C-130 is the fourth-longest-running American aircraft production line, with more than 70 variants.