Aircraft & UAVs

C-130 Hercules

Also known as
  • C-130
  • Lockheed C-130
  • Hercules
  • C-130E
  • C-130H
  • C-130J Super Hercules
  • C-130J-30 Super Hercules
  • Hercules C4
  • C Mk 4

The Lockheed C-130 Hercules is a U.S. tactical airlift family built by Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company for rough-strip operations, oversized cargo, airdrop, and theater logistics. Direct sources document Hercules transport use from Vietnam and Desert Storm through Afghanistan, Operation Iraqi Freedom, and the Mosul campaign, while the broader family includes gunship, tanker, rescue, special-operations, and electronic-warfare derivatives.

C-130 Hercules, Tactical airlift transport aircraft, Aircraft & UAVs
Image source: Lockheed C-130 Hercules.jpg

Role in Conflicts

1955 Vietnam War
Mobility & Logistics
Side
United States and South Vietnam

C-130 Hercules aircraft were used for tactical airlift and aerial resupply during the Vietnam War, including Khe Sanh supply missions by landing and airdrop under enemy fire.

Profile / Specs

Profile

Origin
United States
Type
Tactical airlift transport aircraft
Service note
1954-present; in U.S. Air Force service since 1956
Designer
Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company
Designed
1951 original specification; first flight in 1954
Produced
1956-present
Number built
More than 2,500 delivered

Specifications

Primary function
Global and tactical airlift
Maximum allowable payload
C-130E/H/J up to 42,000 lb; C-130J-30 up to 44,000 lb
Crew
5 on C-130E/H; 3 on C-130J/J-30
Speed
C-130E 345 mph / 300 ktas; C-130H 366 mph / 318 ktas; C-130J 417 mph / 362 ktas; C-130J-30 410 mph / 356 ktas
Maximum takeoff weight
C-130E/H 155,000 lb; C-130J 164,000 lb
Maximum normal payload range
C-130E 1,000 nmi; C-130H 1,050 nmi; C-130J 1,800 nmi; C-130J-30 1,700 nmi
Power plant
Four turboprops; T56-A-7 or T56-A-15 on C-130E/H, AE2100D3 on C-130J/J-30
Dimensions
Length 97 feet 9 inches for C-130E/H/J and 112 feet 9 inches for C-130J-30; wingspan 132 feet 7 inches; height 38 feet 10 inches
Cargo compartment
C-130E/H/J cargo floor length 41 ft; C-130J-30 cargo floor length 56 ft; both 123 in wide and 9 ft high
Maximum load configuration
C-130E/H/J: 6 pallets, 72 litters, 16 CDS bundles, 90 combat troops, or 64 paratroopers; C-130J-30: 8 pallets, 97 litters, 24 CDS bundles, 128 combat troops, or 92 paratroopers
Variants

The Hercules family spans baseline tactical airlifters, stretched J-model airlifters, tanker-transports, special-operations aircraft, rescue variants, electronic-warfare aircraft, gunships, weather aircraft, and commercial freighters. This page keeps C-130A/B/E/H/J/J-30 as unlinked baseline variants and links only existing same-family catalog entries.

VariantConfigurationDesignation notes
C-130AInitial production tactical airlifter

Initial production model; U.S. Air Force deliveries began in December 1956.

Sources: C-130 Hercules

C-130BEarly production tactical airlifter

Introduced T56-A-7 turboprops; first aircraft entered Air Force service in May 1959.

Sources: C-130 Hercules

C-130EExtended-range tactical airlifter

Introduced in August 1962 with external fuel tanks and higher maximum takeoff weight capability.

Sources: C-130 Hercules

C-130HImproved legacy tactical airlifter

Introduced in June 1974 with T56-A-15 engines and performance improvements over the C-130E.

Sources: C-130 Hercules

C-130JCurrent-production tactical airlifter

Entered Air Force inventory in February 1999 with AE2100D3 engines, six-bladed composite propellers, digital avionics, and reduced crew requirements.

Sources: C-130 Hercules

C-130J-30Stretched tactical airlifter

Adds 15 feet to the fuselage and increases usable cargo-compartment space.

Sources: C-130 Hercules

AC-130 gunship, Heavily armed fixed-wing gunship, Aircraft & UAVsAC-130 gunshipGunship derivative

The AC-130J is a highly modified C-130J with a Precision Strike Package, electro-optical and infrared sensors, guided-munition capability, and trainable 30 mm and 105 mm weapons.

Sources: AC-130J Ghostrider

MC-130J Commando II, Special operations transport aircraft, Aircraft & UAVsMC-130J Commando IISpecial operations derivative

The MC-130J supports low-visibility infiltration, exfiltration, resupply, and air refueling for special operations forces.

Sources: MC-130J Commando II

KC-130J Hercules, Marine Corps tanker-transport aircraft with former Harvest HAWK armed mission kit, Aircraft & UAVsKC-130J HerculesMarine Corps tanker-transport derivative

NAVAIR describes the KC-130J as a Marine Corps tactical aerial-refueling, assault-support, and cargo-airlift aircraft.

Sources: NAVAIR C/KC-130 Hercules / Super Hercules

HC-130J Combat King II, Fixed-wing personnel recovery and helicopter air-to-air refueling aircraft, Aircraft & UAVsHC-130J Combat King IIPersonnel recovery derivative

The HC-130J is an extended-range C-130J version for personnel recovery, airdrop, airland, helicopter refueling, and forward-area ground refueling.

Sources: HC-130J Combat King II

EC-130H Compass Call, Airborne electronic attack aircraft, Aircraft & UAVsEC-130H Compass CallElectronic attack derivative

The EC-130H Compass Call is a heavily modified C-130H airframe built for airborne tactical electronic attack against command-and-control communications and related signals.

Sources: U.S. Air Force EC-130H Compass Call Fact Sheet

Compatible Airdrop Systems

Air Force and AMC reporting shows C-130 Hercules aircraft airdropping JPADS cargo bundles, so the aircraft is documented with a sourced JPADS compatibility link.

Compatible itemItem typeCompatibility evidence
Joint Precision Air Drop System, GPS-guided airdrop system with steerable parachute bundles, Support EquipmentJoint Precision Air Drop SystemGPS-guided airdrop system

Air Force and AMC reporting document C-130 Hercules aircraft airdropping supplies with JPADS bundles.

Sources: JPADS continues 'revolution in air drop technology', Bagram C-130s drop high-tech cargo delivery system

Carried Munitions

Air Force reporting documents the C-130 Hercules carrying the MOAB for its test-drop sequence.

Carried itemItem typeCarriage evidence
GBU-43/B MOAB, GPS/INS-guided massive ordnance air blast bomb, MunitionsGBU-43/B MOABMassive ordnance air blast bomb

The C-130 Hercules loaded and carried the MOAB during the documented test-drop sequence.

Sources: What to Know About the GBU-43/B, ‘Mother of all Bombs’, Bombs away

Mission Equipment Tested

Air Force reporting documents C-130H operational testing with the LITENING targeting pod for precision-airdrop support.

Carried itemItem typeCarriage evidence
LITENING Advanced Targeting Pod (AN/AAQ-28), Electro-optical targeting pod, Support EquipmentLITENING Advanced Targeting Pod (AN/AAQ-28)Electro-optical targeting pod

AATC tested LITENING on C-130H aircraft to support precision airdrop, including generating drop-location coordinates, avoiding sensitive objects, and tracking supplies after release.

Sources: DM hosts AATC

Timeline

C-130 Hercules Key Events

  1. Original design specification issued

    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

  2. First flight

    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?

  3. C-130A deliveries begin

    The initial production model, the C-130A, entered delivery in December 1956 after 219 airframes were ordered.

    Sources: C-130 Hercules

  4. C-130B enters Air Force service

    The C-130B introduced Allison T56-A-7 turboprops, with the first of 134 aircraft entering Air Force service in May 1959.

    Sources: C-130 Hercules

  5. C-130E introduced

    The C-130E arrived in August 1962 with external fuel tanks and a higher maximum takeoff weight capability.

    Sources: C-130 Hercules

  6. C-130H introduced

    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

  7. C-130J enters inventory

    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

  8. 2,500th C-130 delivered

    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

  9. C-130J fleet passes 3 million flight hours

    Lockheed Martin reported that the worldwide C-130J Super Hercules fleet had passed 3 million flight hours across variants including C-130J/J-30, KC-130J, MC-130J, HC-130J, AC-130J, EC-130J, WC-130J, and LM-100J.

    Sources: Lockheed Martin C-130J 3 Million Flight Hours

Media

C-130 Hercules Videos

C-130 Hercules Images

C-130 Hercules, Tactical airlift transport aircraft, Aircraft & UAVs - view 1
Source: C-130 Hercules 1.jpg
C-130 Hercules, Tactical airlift transport aircraft, Aircraft & UAVs - view 2
Source: C-130-Hercules---tarmac.jpg
Related Weapon Systems
KC-130J Hercules, Marine Corps tanker-transport aircraft with former Harvest HAWK armed mission kit, Aircraft & UAVsAircraft & UAVsKC-130J HerculesMarine Corps tanker-transport aircraft with former Harvest HAWK armed mission kitThe KC-130J Hercules is the U.S. Marine Corps' Lockheed Martin-built C-130J tanker-transport variant for tactical refueling, assault support, airlift, aeromedical evacuation, and related battlefield support. Its former Harvest HAWK mission kit turned selected aircraft into armed overwatch platforms with sensors and AGM-114 Hellfire and AGM-176 Griffin missiles, a configuration documented in Afghanistan combat use and later retired as Marine Corps requirements shifted.
AC-130 gunship, Heavily armed fixed-wing gunship, Aircraft & UAVsAircraft & UAVsAC-130 gunshipHeavily armed fixed-wing gunshipThe AC-130 gunship is a side-firing C-130 derivative built for persistent close air support, air interdiction, armed reconnaissance, and special-operations overwatch. Modern AC-130U, AC-130W, and AC-130J aircraft pair trainable cannon armament with electro-optical/infrared sensors, fire-control systems, communications suites, and standoff precision munitions so crews can support ground forces from extended loiter or overwatch positions.
HC-130J Combat King II, Fixed-wing personnel recovery and helicopter air-to-air refueling aircraft, Aircraft & UAVsAircraft & UAVsHC-130J Combat King IIFixed-wing personnel recovery and helicopter air-to-air refueling aircraftThe HC-130J Combat King II is Lockheed Martin's C-130J-derived U.S. Air Force rescue and helicopter-refueling aircraft. Developed under the HC/MC-130 recapitalization program, it replaced the HC-130P/N King as the service's only dedicated fixed-wing personnel recovery platform, with night-vision-compatible systems, defensive aids, forward-looking infrared, radar and missile-warning receivers, UARRSI aerial-refueling reception, and mission communications for combat search-and-rescue, disaster response, emergency aeromedical evacuation, airdrop, airland, and forward-area refueling work.
SH-60 Seahawk helicopter, Shipboard maritime helicopter family, Aircraft & UAVsAircraft & UAVsSH-60 Seahawk helicopterShipboard maritime helicopter familyThe SH-60 Seahawk is the U.S. Navy's shipboard H-60 maritime helicopter family, spanning legacy SH-60B/F and HH-60H aircraft and the MH-60R/S successors now used from cruisers, destroyers, littoral combat ships, carriers, and other aviation-capable vessels. Navy and NAVAIR sources describe a family built around anti-submarine warfare, surface warfare, search and rescue, mine countermeasures, cargo lift, special operations support, and maritime force protection.

Sources

C-130 HerculesPublisher: U.S. Air Force | Note: Supports C-130 variant chronology, C-130J/J-30 differences, propulsion, dimensions, payload, range, crew, contractor background, and maximum-load specifications. | Accessed: 2026-07-042,500th C-130 lands at MoodyPublisher: U.S. Air Force | Note: Supports the 2,500th delivered C-130 milestone and the Hercules family's long production run. | Accessed: 2026-07-04C-130 Hercules Airlifter Celebrates 60th Anniversary Aug. 23; Got Stories?Publisher: Lockheed Martin | Note: Supports the Hercules first flight in 1954 and the aircraft's long production history. | Accessed: 2026-07-04C-130 mainstay of medevacPublisher: Air Force Medicine | Note: Supports aeromedical evacuation service context, long-running production, and the C-130's use as a versatile tactical intra-theater transport platform. | Accessed: 2026-07-04Lockheed C-130 Hercules.jpgPublisher: Wikimedia Commons | Note: Supports image provenance and licensing context for the primary in-flight C-130 Hercules image. | Accessed: 2026-07-04C-130 Hercules 1.jpgPublisher: Wikimedia Commons | Note: Supports image provenance and licensing context for the parachute-drop gallery image. | Accessed: 2026-07-04C-130-Hercules---tarmac.jpgPublisher: Wikimedia Commons | Note: Supports image provenance and licensing context for the tarmac gallery image. | Accessed: 2026-07-04JPADS continues 'revolution in air drop technology'Publisher: U.S. Air Force | Note: Supports C-130 Hercules aircraft airdropping JPADS bundles in Air Force reporting. | Accessed: 2026-07-04Bagram C-130s drop high-tech cargo delivery systemPublisher: Air Mobility Command | Note: Supports C-130 Hercules aircraft airdropping JPADS bundles in AMC reporting. | Accessed: 2026-07-04DM hosts AATCPublisher: Davis-Monthan Air Force Base | Note: Supports the C-130 Hercules carrying a LITENING targeting pod during operational testing. | Accessed: 2026-07-04What to Know About the GBU-43/B, ‘Mother of all Bombs’Publisher: DVIDS | Note: Supports the C-130 Hercules carrying the MOAB during the test-drop sequence. | Accessed: 2026-07-04Bombs awayPublisher: U.S. Air Force | Note: Supports the C-130 Hercules dropping the MOAB during the documented test sequence. | Accessed: 2026-07-04Altus Aerial Resupply of Khe SanhPublisher: Altus Air Force Base | Note: Supports 1955 Vietnam War use by C-130 Hercules aircraft for Khe Sanh tactical airlift and aerial resupply. | Accessed: 2026-07-04Operation Desert Storm 25 Years Later AMCPublisher: U.S. Air Force | Note: Supports 1990 Gulf War use by C-130 aircraft deployed for Desert Shield and Desert Storm tactical airlift and theater logistics. | Accessed: 2026-07-04Total Force C-130 Airdrop in AfghanistanPublisher: Air Mobility Command | Note: Supports 2001 War in Afghanistan use by U.S. C-130J Hercules aircraft for combat airdrop and logistics support to Resolute Support advisory forces. | Accessed: 2026-07-04Airlifters Play Big Role in Iraqi FreedomPublisher: U.S. Air Force | Note: Supports 2003 Iraq War use by a U.S. Air Force C-130 Hercules during Operation Iraqi Freedom for personnel, cargo, command-and-control equipment, and casualty movement. | Accessed: 2026-07-04C-130s Fly First Mission into Renovated Airfield in IraqPublisher: U.S. Air Force | Note: Supports 2013 War in Iraq use by coalition C-130J Super Hercules aircraft during Operation Inherent Resolve for Qayyarah West logistics supporting the Mosul fight. | Accessed: 2026-07-04Lockheed Martin C-130J 3 Million Flight HoursPublisher: Lockheed Martin | Note: Supports current C-130J family variant list and worldwide C-130J fleet flight-hour milestone. | Accessed: 2026-07-04NAVAIR C/KC-130 Hercules / Super HerculesPublisher: Naval Air Systems Command | Note: Supports KC-130J tanker-transport role, Marine Corps C/KC-130 missions, troop/paratrooper/litter capacities, and KC-130J specifications. | Accessed: 2026-07-04AC-130J GhostriderPublisher: U.S. Air Force | Note: Supports AC-130J as a highly modified C-130J gunship derivative and its Precision Strike Package mission equipment. | Accessed: 2026-07-04MC-130J Commando IIPublisher: U.S. Air Force | Note: Supports MC-130J special-operations mission, air-refuelable configuration, avionics, and replacement of earlier MC-130E/H/P aircraft. | Accessed: 2026-07-04HC-130J Combat King IIPublisher: U.S. Air Force | Note: Supports HC-130J as an extended-range C-130J personnel-recovery derivative with rescue, airdrop, airland, and refueling missions. | Accessed: 2026-07-04U.S. Air Force EC-130H Compass Call Fact SheetPublisher: U.S. Air Force | Note: Supports EC-130H Compass Call as a heavily modified C-130H airframe for airborne tactical electronic attack. | Accessed: 2026-07-04