During the 1950s the versatile Lockheed C-130 Hercules was originally designed as an assault transport but was adapted for a variety of missions, including: special operations, close air support and air interdiction, mid-air space capsule recovery, search and rescue (SAR), aerial refueling of helicopters, weather mapping and reconnaissance, electronic surveillance, fire fighting, aerial spraying, Arctic/Antarctic ice re-supply and natural disaster relief missions. This medium-range aircraft is capable of operating from rough, dirt strips.
Technical Data: C-130H Hercules
Official Designation
C-130H Hercules
Unofficial Nicknames
Herk, Herky Bird, Slick, Fat Albert
Primary Role
Tactical airlift
National Origin
USA
Original Contractor
Lockheed Aeronautical Systems Co.
Operator
Over 60 nations worldwide, including the United States