The Lockheed C-130 Hercules is a versatile, tactical, and strategic military transport aircraft that has been in continuous production since its first flight in 1954. Designed to perform a wide variety of missions, it is renowned for its ability to operate from short, austere airstrips and its flexibility in carrying oversized loads, whether troops, equipment, or vehicles.

The C-130 is primarily used by the U.S. Air Force and allied nations for airlift, supply, search and rescue (SAR), and humanitarian missions. The L-100 Hercules is a civilian version of the C-130, developed to serve in commercial airlift roles. The design's ruggedness and adaptability have made the Hercules one of the most successful military transport aircraft ever built.

Key Specifications (C-130J Super Hercules)

• Crew: 3–5 (varied by configuration).
• Capacity: Up to 92 passengers or 72,000 lb (32,660 kg) of cargo.
• Length: 29.79 m (97 ft 9 in).
• Wingspan: 40.41 m (132 ft 7 in).
• Height: 11.66 m (38 ft 3 in).
• Max Takeoff Weight (MTOW): ~79,380 kg (175,000 lb).
• Engines: 4 × Rolls-Royce AE 2100D3 turboprop engines.
• Maximum Speed: ~640 km/h (400 mph).
• Cruise Speed: ~560 km/h (348 mph).
• Range: ~4,800 km (2,983 mi).
• Service Ceiling: ~9,150 m (30,000 ft).

Notable Features

• Versatile mission profile: Capable of performing airlift, surveillance, reconnaissance, SAR, and aerial firefighting missions.
• Short takeoff and landing (STOL) capability, allowing operation from short or damaged airstrips.
• Rear ramp for rapid loading and unloading of cargo, vehicles, and personnel.
• Operates with high-lift turboprop engines, providing excellent low-speed maneuverability.
• Modular design with numerous variations, including airborne assault, tankers, electronic warfare, and more.
• Advanced avionics in the latest C-130J version, including digital flight controls and head-up displays for improved situational awareness.

Operators & Usage

• U.S. Air Force: Core of the airlift fleet, supporting rapid deployment and logistics missions around the globe.
• U.S. Coast Guard: Used for SAR, law enforcement, and environmental protection missions.
• International Operators: In service with over 60 countries, including Australia, Canada, India, Norway, and many others.
• Used by commercial operators for cargo and special mission roles in the L-100 variant.
• Humanitarian aid: Widely deployed in disaster relief operations, providing essential supplies to remote or disaster-stricken areas.

Variants

• C-130A/B/E/H/J Super Hercules: Main military transport variants with updated systems and engines.
• L-100 Hercules: Civilian version designed for commercial airlift.
• AC-130: Gunship version used for close air support and interdiction.
• KC-130: Aerial refueling version.
• MC-130: Special operations variant for covert missions.
• HC-130: Variant designed for SAR and aerial refueling for helicopters.