The Lockheed C-130 Hercules is a U.S. tactical airlift family built by Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company for rough-strip operations, oversized cargo, and airdrop missions. The Air Force says the aircraft can carry utility helicopters and six-wheeled armored vehicles, airdrop loads up to 42,000 pounds, and remains in production in C-130J form.
Exact model: Lockheed C-130 Hercules family, including C-130A/E/H and specialized variants. The C-130 has been used for tactical airlift, airdrop, medevac, refueling, special operations, and gunship-related roles in many conflicts.
The J-model has been used by U.S. and allied forces for combat airlift, special operations support, and logistics in Afghanistan, Iraq, Libya, and the anti-ISIS campaign.
Timeline
The Air Force issued the original C-130 design specification in 1951, starting the program that produced the Hercules airlifter family.
Sources: C-130 Hercules
Lockheed Martin says the Hercules made its first flight at Burbank, California, in 1954, launching the program's long production run.
Sources: C-130 Hercules Airlifter Celebrates 60th Anniversary Aug. 23; Got Stories?
The initial production model, the C-130A, entered delivery in December 1956 after 219 airframes were ordered.
Sources: C-130 Hercules
The C-130E arrived in August 1962 with external fuel tanks and a higher maximum takeoff weight capability.
Sources: C-130 Hercules
June 1974 brought the C-130H, which used a more powerful Allison T56-A-15 turboprop and improved performance over earlier models.
Sources: C-130 Hercules
The C-130J entered the Air Force inventory in February 1999 with Rolls-Royce AE2100D3 engines and six-bladed composite propellers.
Sources: C-130 Hercules
The Air Force reported the 2,500th Lockheed Martin-built C-130 entering the fleet at Moody Air Force Base, marking a major production milestone.
Sources: 2,500th C-130 lands at Moody
