| C-130 Hercules | |
|---|---|
 A USAF C-130E | |
| General information | |
| Type | Tactical airlifter |
| National origin | United States |
| Manufacturer | |
| Status | In service |
| Primary users | United States Air Force |
| Number built | 2,500+ as of 2015[1] |
| History | |
| Manufactured | 1954–present |
| Introduction date | December 1956[2] |
| First flight | August 23, 1954 |
| Variants | |
The Lockheed C-130 Hercules is an American four-engine turboprop military transport aircraft designed and built by Lockheed (now Lockheed Martin). Capable of using unprepared runways for takeoffs and landings, the C-130 was originally designed as a troop, medevac, and cargo transport aircraft. The versatile airframe has found uses in other roles, including as a gunship (AC-130), for airborne assault, search and rescue, scientific research support, weather reconnaissance, aerial refueling, maritime patrol, and aerial firefighting. It is now the main tactical airlifter for many military forces worldwide. More than 40 variants of the Hercules, including civilian versions marketed as the Lockheed L-100, operate in more than 60 nations.
The C-130 entered service with the U.S. in 1956, followed by Australia and many other nations. During its years of service, the Hercules has participated in numerous military, civilian and humanitarian aid operations. In 2007, the transport became the fifth aircraft[N 1] to mark 50 years of continuous service with its original primary customer, which for the C-130 is the United States Air Force (USAF). The C-130 is the longest continuously produced military aircraft, having achieved 70 years of production in 2024.[3] The updated Lockheed Martin C-130J Super Hercules remains in production as of 2024[update].[4]
- ^ "Family Ties: Three Generations Contribute to Hercules Legacy". Archived from the original on 9 July 2015. Retrieved 8 July 2015.
- ^ "Hercules History". lockeedmartin.com. Lockheed Martin. 30 April 2018. Archived from the original on 6 April 2019. Retrieved 6 April 2019.
- ^ Roza, David (23 August 2024). "'Workhorse of the Air' C-130 Marks 70 Years Since First Flight". Air & Space Forces Magazine. Retrieved 25 August 2024.
- ^ Stokes, Stephannie (29 December 2015). "C-130 aircraft designed in the 1950s still delivers". Marketplace. Archived from the original on 2 January 2016. Retrieved 2 January 2016.
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