C-130 Hercules
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<!-- This article is a part of [[Wikipedia:WikiProject Aircraft]]. Please see [[Wikipedia:WikiProject Aircraft/page content]] for recommended layout. -->
{{Infobox Aircraft
|name = C-130 Hercules
|type = [[military transport aircraft]]
|manufacturer = [[Lockheed]] <br/>[[Lockheed Martin]]
|image = Image:Lockheed C-130 Hercules.jpg
|caption = USAF C-130E
|designer =
|first flight = [[23 August]][[1954]]
|introduction = December 1956
|retired =
|status = In production
|primary user = [[United States Air Force]]
|more users = [[United States Marine Corps]] <br/>[[Royal Air Force]] <br/>[[Canadian Forces]] <!-- Only THREE 'more users' here. Separate users with <br/>. Users of C-130 variants should be listed on those articles, not here. -->
|produced = 2,262 [[as of 2006]]<ref name="afm">{{cite journal |last=Boyne |first=Walter J. |url=http://www.afa.org/magazine/aug2004/0804herc.asp |title=The Immortal Hercules |journal=Air Force Magazine |year=August 2004 |accessdate=2006-08-22 |volume=87 |issue=8}}</ref>
|unit cost =
|developed from =
|variants with their own articles = [[C-130J Super Hercules]] <br/>[[Lockheed AC-130|AC-130 Spectre/Spooky]] <br/>[[Lockheed DC-130]] <br/>[[Lockheed EC-130]] <br/>[[Lockheed HC-130]] <br/>[[Lockheed LC-130]] <br/>[[Lockheed MC-130]] <br/>[[Lockheed WC-130]]
}}
The '''Lockheed C-130 Hercules''' is an [[United States|American]] four-engine [[turboprop]] [[military transport aircraft]] built by [[Lockheed]]. It is the main [[tactical airlift]]er for many military forces worldwide. Over 40 models and variants of the Hercules serve with more than 50 nations. In December 2006 the C-130 became the fifth aircraft {{ndash}} after the [[English Electric Canberra]], [[B-52 Stratofortress]], [[Tupolev Tu-95]], and [[KC-135 Stratotanker]] {{ndash}} to mark 50 years of continuous use with its original primary customer, in this case the [[United States Air Force]]. The C-130 remains in production as the updated [[C-130J Super Hercules]].
Capable of takeoffs and landings from unprepared [[runway]]s, the C-130 was originally designed as a troop, [[MEDEVAC|medical evacuation]], and cargo transport aircraft. The versatile airframe has found uses in a variety of other roles, including as a [[gunship]], for [[airborne infantry|airborne assault]], [[search and rescue]], scientific research support, weather reconnaissance, [[aerial refuelling]] and [[aerial firefighting]]. The Hercules family has the longest continuous production run of any military aircraft in history. During more than 50 years of service the family has participated in military, civilian and [[humanitarian aid]] operations.
==Development==
[[Image:YC-130s formation usaf.jpg|thumb|The two YC-130 prototypes; the blunt nose was replaced with [[radar]] on later production models.]]
The [[Korean War]], which began in June, 1950, showed that [[World War II]]-era transports—[[C-119 Flying Boxcar]]s, [[C-47 Skytrain]]s and [[C-46 Commando]]s—were inadequate for modern warfare. Thus on [[February 2]], [[1951]], the [[United States Air Force]] issued a General Operating Requirement (GOR) for a new transport to [[Boeing]], [[Douglas Aircraft|Douglas]], [[Fairchild Aircraft|Fairchild]], [[Lockheed]], [[Glenn L. Martin Company|Martin]], [[Chase Aircraft]], [[North American Aviation|North American]] [[Northrop]], and [[Airlifts Inc]]. The new transport would have a capacity for 92 passengers, 72 combat troops or 64 paratroopers, a range of {{convert|1100|nmi|km|-2}}, takeoff capability from short and unprepared strips, and the ability to fly with one engine shut down.
Fairchild, North American, Martin and Northrop declined to participate. The remaining five companies tendered a total of ten designs: Lockheed two, Boeing one, Chase three, Douglas three, Airlifts Inc. one. The contest was a close affair between the lighter of the two Lockheed (preliminary project designation L-206) proposals and a four-turboprop Douglas design.
The Lockheed design team was led by [[Willis Hawkins]], starting with a 130 page proposal for the '''Lockheed L-206''', and another two-turboprop and heavier one.<ref name='rhodes'>{{cite journal |last=Rhodes |first=Jeff |url=http://www.codeonemagazine.com/archives/2004/articles/aug_04/hawkins/ |title=Willis Hawkins and the Genesis of the Hercules |journal=Code One Magazine |volume=19 |issue=3 |year=2004 |accessdate=2006-08-22}}</ref> [[Hall Hibbard]], Lockheed vice president and chief engineer, saw the proposal and directed it to [[Clarence Johnson|Kelly Johnson]], who remarked when he saw the proposal, "If you sign that letter, you will destroy the Lockheed Company."{{Clarifyme|date=March 2008}}<!-- In what way? Is this about using turboprops and other "older technology"? --> Both Hibbard and Johnson signed the proposal and the company won the contract for the now-designated Model 82 on [[July 2]], [[1951]].<ref name='boyne'>{{cite book |last=Boyne |first=Walter J. |title=Beyond the Horizons: The Lockheed Story |publisher=St. Martin's Press |location=New York |year=1998}}</ref>
===First flight===
The first flight of the '''YC-130''' [[prototype]] was made on [[August 23]], [[1954]] from the [[Lockheed]] plant in [[Burbank, California|Burbank]], [[California]]. The aircraft, serial number 23-2323, was the second prototype but the first of the two to fly. The YC-130 was piloted by Stanley Beltz and Roy Wimmer on its 61-minute flight to [[Edwards Air Force Base]]; Jack Real and Dick Stanton served as flight engineers. Kelly Johnson flew chase in a [[P2V Neptune]].<ref name='dabney'>{{cite journal |last=Dabney |first=Joseph E. |title=A Mating of the Jeep, the Truck, and the Airplane |year=2004 |accessdate=2006-08-22 |url=http://www.lockheedmartin.com/data/assets/7317.pdf |journal=<nowiki></nowiki>''Excerpted from ''HERK: Hero of the Skies'' in ''Lockheed Martin Service News |publisher=Lockheed Martin Air Mobility Support |volume=29 |issue=2 |pages=3}}</ref>
===Production===
[[Image:Starlifter cockpit hg.jpg|thumb|right|C-130 Hercules flight deck]]
After the two prototypes were completed, production began in [[Marietta, Georgia]], where more than 2,000 C-130s have been built.<ref name="afm"/>
The initial production model, the '''C-130A''', was powered by [[Allison T56]]-A-9 turboprops with three-blade [[propeller]]s. Deliveries began in December 1956, continuing until the introduction of the '''C-130B''' model in 1959. Some A models were re-designated '''C-130D''' after being equipped with [[ski]]s. The newer C-130B had [[aileron]]s with increased boost — 3,000 versus 2,050 lbf/in² (21 versus 14 MPa) — as well as uprated engines and four-bladed propellers that were standard until the "J" model's introduction.
===C-130A Model===
The first production C-130s were designated as A-models, with deliveries to the 463rd Troop Carrier Wing at [[Ardmore AFB]], Oklahoma and the 314th Troop Carrier Wing at [[Sewart AFB]], Tennessee. Six additional squadrons were assigned to the 322nd Air Division in Europe and the 315th Air Division in the Far East. Additional airplanes were modified for electronics intelligence work and assigned to [[Rhein-Main Air Base]], Germany while modified RC-130As were assigned to the [[Military Air Transport Service]] (MATS) photo-mapping division. Airplanes equipped with giant skis were designated as C-130Ds, but were essentially A-models except for the conversion. As the C-130A became operational with [[Tactical Air Command]] (TAC), the airplane's lack of range became apparent and additional fuel capacity was added in the form of external pylon-mounted tanks at the end of the wings. The A-model continued in service through the [[Vietnam War]], where the airplanes assigned to the four squadrons at [[Naha AB]], Okinawa and one at [[Tachikawa AB]], Japan performed yeoman's service, including operating highly classified special operations missions such as the BLIND BAT FAC/Flare mission and FACT SHEET leaflet mission over Laos and North Vietnam.
===C-130B Model===
The C-130B model was developed to complement the A-models that had previously been delivered,and incorporated new features, particularly increased fuel capacity in the form of auxiliary tanks built into the center wing section and an AC electrical system. Four-bladed Hartzell propellers replaced the Aero Product three-bladed propellers that distinguished the earlier A-models. B-models replaced A-models in the 314th and 463rd Troop Carrier Wings. During the Vietnam War four squadrons assigned to the 463rd Troop Carrier/Tactical Airlift Wing based at Clark and Mactan Air Fields in the Philippines were used primarily for tactical airlift operations in South Vietnam. In the spring of 1969 463rd crews commenced COMMANDO VAULT bombing missions dropping M-121 10,000 pound bombs to clear "instant LZs" for helicopters. As the Vietnam War wound down, the 463rd B-models and A-models of the 374th Tactical Airlift Wing were transferred back to the United States where most were assigned to [[Air Force Reserve]] and [[Air National Guard]] units. Another prominent role for the B-model was with the [[United States Marine Corps]], where Hercules initially designated as GV-1s replaced C-119s. After Air Force C-130Ds proved the type's usefulness in Antarctica, the US Navy purchased a number of B-models equipped with skis that were designated as LC-130s.
===C-130E model===
The extended range '''C-130E''' model entered service in 1962 after it developed as an interim long-range transport for the Military Air Transport Service. Essentially a B-model, the new designation was the result of the installation of 5,150 liter (1,360 US gallon) fuel tanks under each wing. (center-section) wing-mounted auxiliary fuel tanks and more powerful [[Allison Engine Company|Allison]] T-56-A-7A turboprops. The E model also featured structural improvements, [[avionics]] upgrades and a higher gross weight.
The '''KC-130''' [[Tanker (aircraft)|tankers]], originally '''C-130F'''s procured for the [[United States Marine Corps|US Marine Corps]] (USMC) in 1958 (under the designation '''GV-1''') are equipped with a removable 13,626 liter (3600 US gallon) [[stainless steel]] [[fuel tank]] carried inside the cargo compartment. The two wing-mounted hose and drogue [[aerial refueling]] pods each transfer up to 19 liters per second (equivalent to 300 US gallons per minute) to two aircraft simultaneously, allowing for rapid cycle times of multiple-receiver aircraft formations, (a typical tanker formation of four aircraft in less than 30 minutes). The [[United States Navy|US Navy]]'s '''C-130G''' has increased structural strength allowing higher gross weight operation.
===C-130H model===
[[Image:C-130 Hercules 2.jpg|thumb|right|[[Japan Air Self-Defense Force]] C-130H]]
The '''C-130H''' model has updated Allison T56-A-15 turboprops, a redesigned outer [[wing]], updated avionics and other minor improvements. Later ''H'' models had a new, fatigue-life-improved, center wing that was retro-fitted to many earlier H-models. The H model remains in widespread use with the [[United States Air Force|US Air Force]] (USAF) and many foreign air forces. Initial deliveries began in 1964 (to the [[Royal New Zealand Air Force|RNZAF]]), remaining in production until 1996. An improved C-130H was introduced in 1974.
From 1992 to 1996 the C-130H was described as a C-130H3 by the USAF. The 3 denoting the third variation in design for the H series. Improvements included a partial [[glass cockpit]] (ADI and HSI instruments), a more capable APN-241 color radar, [[night vision device]] compatible instrument lighting and an improved electrical system using Bus Switching Units to provide 'clean' power to the more sensitive upgraded components.
===C-130K model===
[[Image:raf.hercules.c-130k.c3.arp.jpg|thumb|right|Royal Air Force C-130K (C.3)]]
The equivalent model for export to the [[United Kingdom|UK]] is the '''C-130K''', known by the [[Royal Air Force]] (RAF) as the '''Hercules C.1'''. The '''C-130H-30''' ('''Hercules C.3''' in RAF service) is a stretched version of the original Hercules, achieved by inserting a 100-inch (2.54 m) plug aft of the cockpit and an 80-inch (2.03 m) plug at the rear of the fuselage. A single C-130K was purchased by the [[Met Office]] for use by its Meteorological Research Flight. This aircraft was heavily modified (with its most prominent feature being the long red and white striped atmospheric probe on the nose) to the extent that it was given the designation W.2, to differentiate it from the ordinary C.1. This aircraft, named ''[[Snoopy]]'', was withdrawn in 2001. The C-130K is used by the [[RAF Falcons]] for parachute drops.
Three C-130K (Hercules C Mk.1P) were upgraded and sold to the Austrian Air Force in 2002.<ref>[http://www.doppeladler.com/oebh/luftfahrzeuge/c130.htm C-130K in the Austrian Air Force]</ref>
===Later C-130 models & variants===
[[Image:HC-130P-N refuels HH-60G.jpg|thumb|right|USAF HC-130P refuels an [[HH-60G Pavehawk]] helicopter]]
The '''[[Lockheed HC-130|HC-130N & P]]''' are long range search and rescue variants used by the USAF, to include the [[Air Force Reserve Command]] and the [[Air National Guard]]. Equipped for deep deployment of [[Air Force Pararescue|pararescue]] men (PJs), survival equipment, and aerial refueling of combat rescue helicopters, HC-130s are usually the on-scene command aircraft for combat SAR missions. Early versions were equipped with the [[Fulton surface-to-air recovery system]], designed to pull a person off the ground using a wire strung from a helium balloon. The John Wayne movie ''[[The Green Berets (film)|The Green Berets]]'' features its use. The Fulton system was later removed when aerial refueling of helicopters proved safer and more versatile. The movie ''[[The Perfect Storm (film)|The Perfect Storm]]'' depicts a real life SAR mission involving aerial refueling of a [[New York Air National Guard]] [[HH-60G]] by an [[Air National Guard]] HC-130P.
The '''C-130R''' and '''C-130T''' are US Navy and USMC models, both equipped with underwing external fuel tanks. The C-130T is similar, but has numerous avionics improvements over the R model and is fully [[night-vision]] system compatible. In both models, USMC aircraft are equipped with Allison T-56-A-16 engines. The USMC versions are designated '''KC-130R''' or '''KC-130T''' when equipped with underwing refueling pods and pylons.
The RC-130 is a reconnaissance version. A single example is used by the [[Islamic Republic of Iran Air Force]], the aircraft having originally been sold to the former [[Imperial Iranian Air Force]].
===Civilian models===
[[Image:Tepper-l382-N2189M-060403-02-10.jpg|thumb|right|L-382 of Tepper Aviation at [[Mojave Spaceport]]]]
The '''Lockheed L-100 (L-382)''' is a civilian variant, equivalent to a C-130E model without pylon tanks or military equipment. The L-100 also has 2 stretched versions: the L-100-20 has an 8.3 ft (2.5 m) fuselage stretch and the L-100-30 is stretched by 15 ft (4.6 m). The L-100 has not seen widespread use in the civilian market.
===Next generation===
In the 1970s Lockheed proposed a C-130 variant with [[turbofan engine]]s rather than turboprops, but the US Air Force preferred the takeoff performance of the existing aircraft. In the 1980s the C-130 was intended to be replaced by the [[Advanced Medium STOL Transport]] project. The project was canceled and the C-130 has remained in production.
===C-130J model===
{{main|C-130J Super Hercules}}
The '''C-130J''' is the newest version of the Hercules and the only model still produced. Externally similar to the classic Hercules in general appearance, the J model has new turboprops, digital avionics, and other new systems.
==Operational history==
[[Image:C-130 Hercules 10.jpg|thumb|right|A Hercules deploying flares, sometimes referred as to ''Angel Flares'' due to the characteristic shape]]
[[Image:C130-Forrestal.jpg|thumb|right|upright|C-130 Hercules performing takeoffs and landings aboard the aircraft carrier {{USS|Forrestal|CVA-59}} in 1963. This aircraft is currently on display at the [[National Museum of Naval Aviation]].]]
The Hercules holds the record for the largest and heaviest aircraft to land on an [[aircraft carrier]]. In October and November 1963, a USMC KC-130F (BuNo 149798), bailed to the US Naval Air Test Center, made 21 unarrested landings and take-offs on the [[USS Forrestal (CVA-59)|USS ''Forrestal'']] at a number of different weights. The pilot, LT (later RADM) James Flatley III, USN, was awarded the [[Distinguished Flying Cross (United States)|Distinguished Flying Cross]] for his participation. The tests were highly successful, but the idea was considered too risky for routine "[[Carrier onboard delivery|Carrier Onboard Delivery]]" (COD) operations. Instead, the [[C-2 Greyhound]] was developed as a dedicated COD aircraft. (The Hercules used in the test, most recently in service with Marine Aerial Refueler Squadron 352 ([[VMGR-352]]) until 2005, is now part of the collection of the [[National Museum of Naval Aviation]] at [[NAS Pensacola]], [[Florida]].)
While the C-130 is involved in cargo and resupply operations daily, it has been a part of some notable offensive operations:
The '''MC-130''' Combat Talon variant carries and deploys what are currently the world's largest conventional [[bomb]]s, the [[BLU-82]] "Daisy Cutter" and [[GBU-43/B]] [[Massive Ordnance Air Blast bomb]], also known as the MOAB. Daisy Cutters were used during the [[Vietnam War]] to clear landing zones for [[helicopter]]s and to eliminate [[land mine|minefields]] and have recently even been proposed for anti-personnel use. The weight and size of the weapons make it impossible or impractical to load them on conventional [[bomber aircraft|bombers]]. The GBU-43/B MOAB is a successor to the BLU-82 and can perform the same function, as well as perform strike functions against hardened targets in a low air threat environment.
In the [[Indo-Pakistani War of 1965]], the [[Pakistan Air Force]] modified/improvised several aircraft for use as heavy bombers, and attacks were made on enemy bridges and troop concentrations with some notable successes. No aircraft were lost in the operations, though one was slightly damaged.<ref name="pakdef">{{cite web |url=http://www.pakdef.info/pakmilitary/airforce/index.html |title=Pakistan Air Force - Yesterday and Today |author=Saqib Shafi |work=Pakistan Military Consortium |publisher=PakDef Info |accessdate=2006-08-21}}</ref>
It was also used in the 1976 [[Operation Entebbe|Entebbe raid]] in which [[Israel]]i [[commando]] forces carried a surprise assault to rescue 103 passengers of an airliner hijacked by [[Palestinian]] and [[Germany|German]] [[terrorists]] at [[Entebbe Airport]], [[Uganda]]. The rescue force — 200 soldiers, jeeps, and a black [[Mercedes-Benz]] (intended to resemble Ugandan [[Dictator]] [[Idi Amin]]'s vehicle of state) — was flown {{convert|4000|km|nmi|0}} from Israel to Entebbe by five [[Israeli Air Force]] (IAF) Hercules aircraft without mid-air refueling (on the way back, the planes refueled in [[Nairobi]], [[Kenya]]).
During the [[Falklands War]] of 1982, [[Argentine Air Force]] C-130s undertook highly dangerous, daily re-supply flights to the Argentine garrison on the [[Falkland Islands (Malvinas)]]. Only one was lost during the war. Argentina also operated two KC-130s refuellers during the war, and these refueled the [[A-4 Skyhawk|Skyhawk]] [[Ground attack aircraft|attack planes]] which sank the [[United Kingdom|British]] frigate [[HMS Antelope (F170)|HMS ''Antelope'']]. The British also used their C-130s to support their logistical operations.
During the [[Gulf War]] of 1991, the C-130 Hercules was used operationally by the US Air Force, US Navy and US Marine Corps, and the air forces of Australia, New Zealand, Saudi Arabia, South Korea and the UK.
During the [[War in Afghanistan (2001–present)|invasion of Afghanistan]] and in support of the [[International Security Assistance Force]], the C-130 Hercules was used operationally by Australia, Belgium, Canada, France, Italy, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, South Korea, Spain, the UK and the United States.
During the [[2003 invasion of Iraq]], the C-130 Hercules was used operationally by Australia, the UK and the United States. After the initial invasion, C-130 operators as part of the [[Multinational force in Iraq]] used their C-130s to support their forces in Iraq.
[[Image:C-130T Hercules Blue Angels.jpg|thumb|right|USMC C-130T ''Fat Albert'']]
A prominent C-130T aircraft is '''Fat Albert''', the support aircraft for the US Navy [[Blue Angels]] flight demonstration team. Although Fat Albert supports a Navy squadron, it is operated by the US Marine Corps (USMC) and its crew consists solely of USMC personnel. At some [[Air Show|air shows]] featuring the team, Fat Albert takes part, performing flyovers and sometimes demonstrating its jet-assisted takeoff (JATO) capabilities.
===Civilian uses===
In the late 1980s, 22 retired USAF C-130As were removed from storage at [[Davis-Monthan Air Force Base]] and transferred to the [[U.S. Forest Service]] who then sold them to six private companies to be converted into [[airtanker]]s for use in fighting [[wildfire]]s (see [[U.S. Forest Service airtanker scandal]]). After two of these aircraft crashed due to wing separation in flight as a result of fatigue stress cracking, the entire fleet of C-130A airtankers was permanently grounded in 2004. (See [[2002 airtanker crashes]].)
A Royal Australian Air Force C-130 Hercules was hired to carry a 530 lb (240 kg) patient because there were no ambulances or planes big enough to transport her. Even though the woman was deemed well enough to travel by road from Mt Isa to Townsville, the Queensland Ambulance Service had no vehicles to carry her.<ref name="weighty">{{cite web |url=http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/story/0,21985,23495086-662,00.html |title=Hercules lifts weighty woman |publisher=Herald Sun Online |year=2008 |accessdate=2008-04-07}}</ref>
==Variants==
===Military variants===
Significant military variants of the C-130 include:
* C-130A/B/E/F/G/H/T tactical airlifter
* [[C-130J Super Hercules]] tactical airlifter, with new engines, avionics, and updated systems
* [[Lockheed AC-130|AC-130A/E/H/U]] gunship
* C-130D/D-6 ski-equipped version for snow & ice operations [[US Air Force]] / [[Air National Guard]]
* [[Lockheed DC-130|DC-130]] and GC-130 drone control
* [[Lockheed EC-130|EC-130E/J Commando Solo]] USAF / [[Air National Guard]] [[Psychological operations]] version
* [[Lockheed EC-130|EC-130E]] Airborne Battlefield Command and Control Center (ABCCC)
* [[Lockheed EC-130|EC-130H Compass Call]], electronic warfare and electronic attack.<ref>{{cite news|accessdate=|url=http://www.af.mil/news/story.asp?storyID=123030212|title= Compass Call continues to 'Jam' enemy|author=King, Capt. Vince, Jr.|date=[[November 1]], [[2006]]|work=Air Force Link|publisher=United States Air Force}}</ref>
* [[Lockheed HC-130|HC-130H/N/P]] special operations air-to-air refueling tanker, long-range surveillance, search and rescue
* JC-130 and NC-130 temporary and permanent conversion for flight test operations
* KC-130F/J/R/T [[United States Marine Corps]] aerial refueling tanker and tactical airlifter
* [[Lockheed LC-130|LC-130F/H/R]] USAF / [[Air National Guard]] ski-equipped version for Arctic & Antarctic support operations. Formerly operated by the [[US Navy]]'s Antarctic Development Squadron SIX (VXE-6) in support of the [[National Science Foundation]]
* [[Lockheed MC-130|MC-130E/H Combat Talon I/II]] (special operations)
* [[Lockheed MC-130|MC-130W Combat Spear]] (special operations)<ref name="MC130W">{{cite news |last=Housman |first=Damian |url=http://www.af.mil/news/story.asp?id=123022607 |title=Highly modified C-130 ready for war on terrorism |date=[[2006-06-29]] |accessdate=2006-08-22 |work=Air Force Link |publisher=United States Air Force}}</ref>
* [[Lockheed MC-130|MC-130]]P Combat Shadow (special operations)
* [[Lockheed MC-130|YMC-130H]] three modified for planned [[Iran hostage crisis]] rescue attempt under [[Operation Credible Sport]]
* PC-130 maritime patrol
* RC-130 reconnaissance
* SC-130 search and rescue
* TC-130 aircrew training
* VC-130 VIP transport
* [[Lockheed WC-130|WC-130]]A/B/E/H/J weather reconnaissance ("[[Hurricane Hunter]]") version for [[USAF]] / [[Air Force Reserve Command]] in support of the [[NOAA]]/[[National Weather Service]]'s [[National Hurricane Center]]
* CC-130E/H Hercules - designation for [[Canadian Forces]] Hercules aircraft
* C-130K Hercules designation for [[Royal Air Force]] Hercules C1/C2/C3 aircraft
===Civilian variants===
* L-100 - Civilian version, equivalent to the C-130E
* L-100-20 - Civilian version, stretched {{convert|8.3|ft|m}}
* L-100-30 - Civilian version, stretched {{convert|15|ft|m}}
==Operators==
{{main|List of C-130 Hercules operators}}
[[Image:World operators of the C-130 Hercules.PNG|thumb|right|350px|Countries operating the C-130 at December 2006]]
{| border="0" cellpadding="10" cellspacing="0"
|-
|- valign="top"
|
*{{ALG}}
*{{ARG}}
*{{AUS}}
*{{AUT}}
*{{BAN}}
*{{BEL}}
*{{BOL}}
*{{BOT}}
*{{BRA}}
*{{CMR}}
*{{CAN}}
*{{CHA}}
*{{CHI}}
*{{ROC-TW}}
*{{COL}}
*{{DNK}}
*{{ECU}}
*{{EGY}}
*{{ETH}}
*{{FRA}}
*{{GAB}}
*{{GRE}}
*{{HON}}
*{{IND}}
*{{IDN}}
*{{IRN}}
*{{IRQ}}
*{{ISR}}
*{{ITA}}
*{{JPN}}
*{{JOR}}
*{{KWT}}
*{{LBR}}
*{{LBA}}
|
*{{MAS}}
*{{MEX}}
*{{MAR}}
*{{NLD}}
*{{NZL}}
*{{NIG}}
*{{NGR}}
*{{NOR}}
*{{OMN}}
*{{PAK}}
*{{PER}}
*{{PHI}}
*{{POR}}
*{{ROU}}
*{{SAU}}
*{{SIN}}
*{{ZAF}}
*{{KOR}}
*{{ESP}}
*{{SRI}}
*{{SUD}}
*{{SWE}}
*{{THA}}
*{{TUN}}
*{{TUR}}
*{{ARE}}
*{{UK}}
*{{USA}}
*{{URU}}
*{{VEN}}
*{{YEM}}
*{{ZAM}}
|}
==Operational losses==
{{main|List of C-130 Hercules crashes}}
The C-130 is generally a highly reliable aircraft. The Royal Air Force recorded an accident rate of about one aircraft loss per 250,000 flying hours over the last forty years, making it one of the safest aircraft they operate (alongside [[Vickers VC10]]s and [[Lockheed Tristar]]s with no flying losses).<ref name="dasa">{{cite web |url=http://www.dasa.mod.uk/natstats/accidents/accdam/acctab2.html |title=Aircraft Air Accidents and Damage Rates |publisher=Defence Analytical Services Agency |accessdate=2006-08-22}}</ref>
However, more than 15 percent of the 2,350-plus production has been lost, including 70 by the [[United States Air Force]] and the [[United States Marine Corps]] while serving in the war in [[Southeast Asia]]. By the nature of the Hercules' worldwide service, the pattern of losses provides an interesting barometer of the global hot spots over the past fifty years, including Iraq.<ref name="avs1">{{cite web |url=http://aviation-safety.net/database/type/type.php?type=335-C |title=Lockheed C-130 Hercules |work=Aviation Safety Network |publisher=Flight Safety Foundation |date=[[2004-11-13]] |accessdate=2006-08-22}}</ref>
==Aircraft on display==
[[Image:AC-130 Spectre.jpg|thumb|[[Nose art]] on AC-130A 53-3129 at the USAF Armament Museum, Eglin AFB, FL]]
;AC-130A USAF 53-3129, c.n. 3001
:First production Hercules, modified to gunship configuration in November 1967, survived 37 mm AAA hit over South Vietnam in March 1973, repaired, and finally retired from the 711th Special Operations Squadron in 1995 for display at the [[Air Force Armament Museum]], [[Eglin AFB]], Florida. Named "The First Lady" since November 1970.
;AC-130A USAF 54-1623, c.n. 3010
:Modified to AC-130A by Ling-Temco-Vought in March 1968, operations in SEA, named "Ghost Rider", then with the 711th SOS, 1975-1997. Retired to [[Dobbins AFB]], [[Georgia (U.S. state)|Georgia]], April 1997, with three-blade props reinstalled, as gate guard. To eventual Lockheed museum at [[Marietta, Georgia]].
;AC-130A USAF 54-1626, c.n. 3013
:Prototype AC-130A upgrade, operations in Southeast Asia with the 16th Special Operations Squadron, 1967-1972, then to JC-130A test configuration. To the [[National Museum of the United States Air Force]], [[Dayton, Ohio|Dayton]], [[Ohio]] as JC-130A in 1976. Back to AC-130A configuration in late 1990s.
;AC-130A USAF 54-1630, c.n. 3017
:Airlifter with 314 TCW, then to Air Force Missile Test Center, [[Hanscom Air Force Base]], February 1960, then modified to JC-130A with various units. Back to C-130A, November 1967. Conversion by [[Ling-Temco-Vought]] to AC-130A, January 1968, ops by 16 SOS, named "Mors de Coelis", then "Azrael - Angel of Death". To 415 SOTS, [[Hurlburt Field]], [[Florida]], August 1971, then to 711 SOS, [[Duke Field]], [[Florida]], November 1975, still as "Azrael" until retirement to the [[National Museum of the United States Air Force]] [[September 29]], [[1995]].
;AC-130A USAF 56-0509, c.n. 3117
:Airlifter with 314 TCW, 315 AD, 374 TCW; to Ling-Temco-Vought, August 1970, and modified to AC-130A. Operations with 16th Special Operations Squadron; damaged at An Loc, South Vietnam, [[23 December]] [[1972]]; named "Raids Kill 'Em Dead", October, 1974, to 711th Special Operations Squadron, July 1975, named "Ultimate End", April, 1994; assigned to Hurlburt Field, Florida, October, 1994, and retired to Air Commando display park, May, 1995.
;C-130A USAF 57-0453, c.n. 3160
:Various airlifter assignments from 1958 to 1991, last duty with 155th TAS, 164th TAG, Memphis International Airport, Tennessee, 1976-1991, named "Nite Train to Memphis"; to AMARC in December, 1991, then sent to Texas for modification into replica of C-130A-II 56-0528, shot down by Russian fighters over Soviet [[Yerevan]], [[Armenia]] on [[September 2]], [[1958]], while on [[ELINT]] mission with loss of all crew. Now displayed in [[National Vigilance Park]], [[National Security Agency]] grounds, [[Fort George Meade]], [[Maryland]]. Three-blade prop replaced later four-blade version.
;C-130D USAF 57-0490, c.n. 3197
:Ops with 61st TCS, 17th TCS, lost no. 1 prop in flight, belly-landed, repaired, July 1975, 139th TAS with skis, July 1975-April 1983; to [[MASDC]], 1984-1985, GC-130D ground trainer, [[Chanute AFB]], [[Illinois]], 1986-1990; Chanute TTC closed, September 1993, airframe to [[Octave Chanute Aerospace Museum]], [[Rantoul]], [[Illinois]], July 1994; moved to [[Empire State Air Museum]], [[Schenectady County Airport]], [[New York]], placed at Stratton ANGB gate, October 1994, same, February 2004.
;C-130E RCAF 10315, later 130315, c.n. 4070
:Service with many squadrons including 436, 435, 436 (again), 413, 8 Wing, and 426 Transport Training Squadron, by June 2005. Ground trainer, July 2006; to be installed in building, December 2007.
;C-130E USAF 69-6579, c.n. 4354
:Ops with 61st TAS, 314th TAW, 50th AS, 61st AS; at Dyess AFB as maintenance trainer as GC-130E, March 1998, same, May 2005; to Dyess AFB museum, January 2004.
;C-130E USAF 69-6580, c.n. 4356
:Ops with 61st TAS, 314th TAW, 317th TAW, 314th TAW, 317th TAW, 40th AS, 41st AS, 43rd AW, center wing cracks, April 2002, to [[Air Mobility Command Museum]], [[Dover AFB]], 2 February 2004.
;KC-130F USMC BuNo 149798, c.n. 3680
:Used in tests in October-November 1963 by the U.S. Navy for unarrested landings and take-offs from the carrier [[USS Forrestal]], it remains the record holder for largest aircraft to operate from a carrier flight deck, and carried the name "Look Ma, No Hook" during the tests. Retired to the [[National Museum of Naval Aviation]], [[NAS Pensacola]], [[Florida]] in May, 2003.
;C-130G USMC BuNo 151891, c.n. 3878
:Modified to EC-130G, 1966, then testbed for EC-130Q in 1981. To TC-130G in May 1990 and assigned as [[Blue Angels]] support craft, serving as "[[Fat Albert Airlines]]" from 1991 to 2002. Retired to the [[National Museum of Naval Aviation]] at [[NAS Pensacola]], [[Florida]], November 2002.
;C-130H RSAF 460, c.n. 4566
:Operated by 4 Squadron [[Royal Saudi Air Force]], December 1974, same January 1987. Burned on ground, air conditioner fire - in airfield corner at [[Jeddah]], [[Saudi Arabia]], December 1989. Restored for ground training by August 1993, same March 2002. At [[Riyadh Air Base]] Museum, November 2002, restored for ground display.
;C-130H USAF 74-1686, c.n. 4669
:Airlifter with the 463rd TAW; one of three C-130H airframes modified to YMC-130H for aborted rescue attempt of Iranian hostages, [[Operation Credible Sport]], with rocket packages blistered onto fuselage in 1980, but these were removed after mission was cancelled. Subsequent duty with the [[4950th Test Wing]], then donated to the [[Robins AFB]] museum, Georgia, in March 1988.
==Specifications (C-130H)==
[[Image:C-130-3-view.png|right|300px]]
{{aircraft specifications
|jet or prop?=prop
|plane or copter?=plane
|ref=The Aviation Zone<ref name='avzone'>{{cite web |url=http://www.theaviationzone.com/factsheets/c130.asp |title=Lockheed C-130 Hercules |last=Neely |first=Mike |accessdate=2006-08-22 |year= 2006 |publisher= theaviationzone.com}}</ref>
|crew=4-6: <small>at least 2 pilots,1 flight engineer (eliminated in the J variant), and 1 loadmaster; additional loadmaster and navigator are usually part of the crew</small>
|capacity=<br/>
** 92 passengers ''or''
** 64 airborne troops ''or''
** 74 litter patients with 2 medical personnel
|payload main=45,000 lb
|payload alt=20,000 kg
|payload more=including 2-3 [[High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle|Humvees]] or an [[M113]] Armored Personnel Carrier
|length main=97 ft 9 in
|length alt=29.8 m
|span main=132 ft 7 in
|span alt=40.4 m
|height main=38 ft 3 in
|height alt=11.6 m
|area main=1,745 ft²
|area alt=162.1 m²
|empty weight main=83,000 lb
|empty weight alt=38,000 kg
|loaded weight main=<!-- lb-->
|loaded weight alt=<!-- kg-->
|useful load main=72,000 lb
|useful load alt=33,000 kg
|max takeoff weight main=155,000 lb
|max takeoff weight alt=70,300 kg
|engine (prop)=[[Allison T56|Allison T56-A-15]]
|type of prop=[[turboprop]]s
|number of props=4
|power main=4,300 shp
|power alt=3,210 kW
|max speed main=329 knots
|max speed alt=379 mph, 610 km/h
|cruise speed main=292 knots
|cruise speed alt=336 mph, 540 km/h
|range main=2,050 nm
|range alt=2,360 mi, 3,800 km
|ceiling main=33,000 ft
|ceiling alt=10,000 m
|climb rate main=<!-- ft/min-->
|climb rate alt=<!-- m/s-->
|loading main=<!-- lb/ft²-->
|loading alt=<!-- kg/m²-->
|power/mass main=<!-- hp/lb-->
|power/mass alt=<!-- W/kg-->
}}
==See also==
{{portalpar|Military of the United States|Flag of the United States.svg|65}}
{{wikisource|USA vs Fuchs}}
{{aircontent
|related=
* [[C-130J Super Hercules]]
* [[Lockheed AC-130|AC-130 Spectre/Spooky]]
* [[Lockheed DC-130]]
* [[Lockheed EC-130]]
* [[Lockheed HC-130]]
* [[Lockheed LC-130]]
* [[Lockheed MC-130]]
* [[Lockheed WC-130]]
|similar aircraft=
* [[Antonov An-12]]
* [[Blackburn Beverley]]
* [[Transall C-160]]
|sequence=
|lists=
* [[List of active Canadian military aircraft]]
* [[List of active United Kingdom military aircraft]]
* [[List of active United States military aircraft]]
* [[List of military aircraft of the United States (naval)]]
* [[List of aircraft of the Israeli Air Force]]
* [[List of aircraft of the Royal Air Force]]
* [[List of C-130 Hercules crashes]]
}}
==References==
{{reflist}}
==External links==
{{Commons|C-130 Hercules}}
* [http://www.HerkyBirds.com HerkyBirds.com 9000+ C-130 images]
* [http://www.af.mil/factsheets/factsheet.asp?fsID=92 C-130 Hercules], [http://www.af.mil/factsheets/factsheet.asp?fsID=116 MC-130P Combat Shadow], and [http://www.af.mil/factsheets/factsheet.asp?fsID=4887 MC-130W Combat Spear USAF fact sheets]
* [http://www.navy.mil/navydata/fact_display.asp?cid=1100&tid=500&ct=1 C-130 US Navy fact file] and [http://www.history.navy.mil/planes/c130.htm C-130 history page on Navy.mil]
* [http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/systems/aircraft/c-130.htm C-130 page on GlobalSecurity.org]
* [http://www.aviamil.net/entry.php?m=c-130 C-130 Hercules page on AviaMil.net]
* [http://www.aircraft.co.za/Encyclopedia/L/46.php Lockheed C-130 Hercules page on Aircraft.co.za]
* [http://www.check-six.com/lib/Coast_Guard_Aviation_Casualties.htm Fatal Coast Guard Crashes]
{{Lockheed}}
{{USAF transports}}
{{USN transports}}
{{USN utility aircraft 1955}}
{{lone designation|system=[[USN]] tanker aircraft pre-1962|designation=GV}}
{{United States Military Aerial Refueling Aircraft}}
{{aviation lists}}
[[Category:Air refueling]]
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[[Category:Active United States military aircraft|C-0130 Hercules]]
[[Category:Falklands War aircraft]]
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