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Lockheed Martin·Transport

C-130 Hercules

1954
Lockheed Martin C-130 Hercules 1954 - Front 3/4 viewLockheed Martin C-130 Hercules 1954 - Front viewLockheed Martin C-130 Hercules 1954 - Profile viewLockheed Martin C-130 Hercules 1954 - Rear 3/4 viewLockheed Martin C-130 Hercules 1954 - Rear viewLockheed Martin C-130 Hercules 1954 - Cockpit viewLockheed Martin C-130 Hercules 1954 - Instrument Detail viewLockheed Martin C-130 Hercules 1954 - Engine viewLockheed Martin C-130 Hercules 1954 - Cargo Bay viewLockheed Martin C-130 Hercules 1954 - Landing Gear view
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Record holder

The most successful military transport aircraft in history, in continuous production for over 70 years. Operated by more than 60 nations.

History

The Lockheed C-130 Hercules first flew in 1954 and has been in continuous production longer than any other military aircraft in history. Its versatile airframe has been adapted for roles including gunship (AC-130), weather reconnaissance, aerial refueling, firefighting, and special operations. The Hercules can operate from unprepared runways as short as 3,000 feet, giving it unmatched tactical flexibility. Over 70 nations operate the type, making it the most widely used military transport worldwide. The modernized C-130J Super Hercules continues in production today.

Timeline

1954First flight
1958Makes the first aircraft landing at the South Pole
1976Rescue at Entebbe: Israeli C-130s fly 2,500 miles to rescue hostages in Uganda

Production & Heritage

Production Total2,700
DesignerWillis Hawkins
Service Period1954

Technical Specifications

Engine4x Allison T56-A-15 turboprop
Max Speed366 mph
Range2050 nm
Ceiling33,000 ft
Crew5
Wingspan132.6 ft
Length97.8 ft
Empty Weight76,469 lbs
Max Weight155,000 lbs

Engine Details

Engine ModelAllison T56-A-15
Engine Count4
Engine ManufacturerAllison Engine Company
Horsepower4591 hp

Performance

Cruise Speed336 mph
Rate of Climb1830 ft/min

Dimensions

Wing Area1745 sq ft

Weights

Max Takeoff Weight155,000 lbs

Capacity

Crew5
Passengers92 troops or 64 paratroopers or 74 litter patients

Tags

TurbopropFour-EngineTransport1950sUSA

Designed by Willis Hawkins

Featured in

The Pacific Shift: Why Geography Will Define the Next Air WarThe B-52 at 70: Why the World's Oldest Bomber Refuses to DieThe DC-3: The Plane That Changed Everything

Featured in Collections

The Workhorses

References & Sources

wikipedia.org
Wikipedia: Lockheed C-130 Herculeswikipedia.org
lockheedmartin.com
Lockheed Martin: C-130 Hercules Heritagelockheedmartin.com

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