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C-130 Hercules

(Redirected from KC-130 Hercules)
C-130 Hercules

The United States Air Force C-130 Hercules
Description
RoleMultirole airlift transport, + many special variants
CrewVaries, usually 3–5
First flightAugust 1954
Entered serviceApril 1956
ManufacturerLockheed Martin Aeronautics
Dimensions
Length97 ft 9 in29.8 m
Wingspan132 ft 7 in40.4 m
Height38 ft 10 in11.9 m
Wing area1,745 ft²162.1 m²
Cargo hold dimensions ft in x ft in x ft in m x m x m
Weights
Empty72,892 lb33,063 kg
Loaded155,000 lb70,310 kg
Maximum takeoff175,000 lb79,380 kg
Capacity
Powerplant
Engines4 Allison T56 turboprops (A-H models)
4 Rolls-Royce AE2100 turboprops
Power4 x 4,910 hp4 x 3,600 kW
Performance
Maximum speed386 mph621 km/h
Combat range2,490 miles4,000 km
Ferry range4,605 miles7,410 km
Service ceiling23,000 ft7,010 m
Rate of climb1,900 ft/min580 m/min
Wing loading lb/ft² kg/m²
Avionics
Avionics

The Lockheed C-130 Hercules, a four-engine turboprop aircraft, is the main tactical air transport aircraft of the United States and United Kingdom military forces. Capable of landing and taking off from short, rough dirt runways, it is a personnel and cargo hauler and is used in a wide variety of other roles, such as gunships, weather watchers, tankers, firefighters and aerial ambulances. There are more than 40 versions of the Hercules, and it is widely used by more than 50 nations, establishing a long record of reliability and durability, participating in a variety of military, civilian and humanitarian operations and environments.

The KC-130 tanker is equipped with a removable 13,626 L (3600 US gallon) stainless steel fuel tank that is carried inside the cargo compartment providing additional fuel when required. The two wing-mounted hose and drogue aerial refueling pods each transfer up to 19 L/s (300 US gal/min) 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 C-130 was intended to be replaced by USAF's AMST project. However, following AMST's cancellation, the C-130 has remained in production. Today the only production model is the new C-130J.

One of the famous events involving the unique capabilities of the Hercules was the 1976 Entebbe raid, in which Israeli commando forces carried a surprise assault to rescue 103 passengers of a hijacked airliner in Entebbe Airport, Uganda, Africa. Entebbe was 4,000 kilometers from Israel, and the force of 200 soldiers, Jeeps and a black Mercedes car (intended to resemble Idi Amin's vehicle of state) was ferried by 5 participating IAF Hercules aircraft without refueling. On the way back with the freed hostages, they refueled in Nairobi, Kenya.

Table of contents

Models

  • C-130A
    Deliveries of the C-130A to the U.S. military began in December 1956. The C-130A was delivered with Allison T56-A-1 turboprops and 3 blade propellers.
  • C-130B
    The first B models came on board in April 1959. The B model is known as the sportscar of the fleet because it had no wing tanks and had fully boosted ailerons with 3,000 versus 2,050 lbf/in² (21 versus 14 MPa) on other models. This allowed the B model to have a higher roll rate. The B model was equipped with the T56-A-7 uprated turboprops and four bladed propellers.
  • C-130D
    Redesignated A models fitted with wheel/ski landing gear. The D model also has increased fuel capacity and provision for jet-assisted takeoff
  • C-130E
    The extended range E model entered service in 1962. The increased range was achieved by underwing fuel 1,360 U.S. gallon (5,150 L) tanks and more powerful Allison T-56-A-7A turboprops. The E model also featured structural improvements, avionics upgrades and a higher gross weight.
  • C-130F
    Naval variant
  • C-130G
    The Naval variant G model has increased structural strength allowing higher gross weight operation
  • C-130H
    The H model has updated Allison T56-A-T5 turboprops, a redesigned outer wing, updated avionics, and other minor improvements. The H models remains in widespread use with the USAF and many foreign air forces. Initial H model deliveries began in 1964 and remained in production until 1996. An improved C-130H was introduced in 1974. The H model is known as the C-130K in RAF service. The C-130H-30 is a stretched version of the original Hercules, achieved by inserting a 2.54 m plug aft of the cockpit and a 2.03 m plug at the rear of the fuselage.
  • C-130J
    The C-130J is the newest version of the Hercules. While externally virtually undistinguishable from the classic Hercules the J model is a radically different aircraft "under the skin." These differences include new Rolls-Royce Allison AE2100 turobprops with composite propellers, digital avionics including Heads Up Displays for each pilot, reduced manpower requirements (2 pilots—no navigator or flight engineer), increased reliability and up to 27% lower operating costs. The C-130J is also available in a standard-length or stretched version (C-130J-30). Lockheed received the launch order for J model from the RAF who ordered 25 aircraft, first deliveries began in 1999. The RAF calls the C-130J the Hercules C.5 and the C-130J-30 the Hercules C.4

The largest operator of the new model will be the USAF who are ordering the aircraft in increasing numbers, although in the latest round of budget cuts (2005), the US Congress announced that the acquisition of the C130J would be one of the projects to be dramatically cut back. Current operators of the C130J are the USAF, US ANG, USCG, RAF, RAAF, Danish Air Force and the Italian Air Force.

  • L-100
    Civil variant equivalent to the E model but without pylon tanks or military equipment. The cilivian version also has 2 stretched versions, the L-100–20 (8.3 feet/2.5 m fuselage stretch) and the L-100–30 (15 feet/4.6 m fuselage stretch)

Variants

C-130 Hercules

Variants of the C-130 include:

  • AC-130 gunship
  • DC-130 and GC-130 drone control
  • EC-130 Commando Solo command and control, and electronic warfare
  • EC-130 COMPASS CALL
  • EC-130E ABCCC
  • HC-130P/N special operations refueling, long-range surveillance, search and rescue
  • JC-130 and NC-130 space and missile operations
  • KC-130 tactical refueling tanker
  • LC-130 Arctic & Antarctic support
  • MC-130E/H Combat Talon I/II (special operations)
  • YMC-130H three modified for planned Iran hostage crisis rescue attempt under project Credible Sport
  • PC-130 maritime patrol
  • RC-130 reconnaissance
  • SC-130 search and rescue
  • VC-130 VIP transport
  • WC-130 weather reconnaissance

The C-130 made history in November, 1963 when on the 8th, 21st and 22nd the USS Forrestal and the C-130 set a record for the largest and heaviest aircraft landing on a Navy aircraft carrier. The tests were more than successful, however the idea was considered a bit too risky for routine COD ("Carrier On-board Delivery") operations.

Units using the Hercules

Africa

Asia

Europe

Middle East

North America

  • Royal Canadian Air Force
    • 8 Wing, 424 Squadron – Trenton Ontario (CC-130E)
    • 8 Wing, 426 Squadron – Trenton Ontario (CC-130E/H)
    • 8 Wing, 429 Squadron – Trenton Ontario (CC-130E/H)
    • 8 Wing, 436 Squadron – Trenton Ontario (CC-130E/H)
    • 14 Wing, 413 Squadron- Greenwood, Nova Scotia
    • 17 Wing, 435 Squadron – Winnipeg, Manitoba (CC-130H(T))
  • United States Air Force
    • 1st Special Operation Squadron – Kadena Air Base, Japan (MC-130H)
    • 2nd Airlift Squadron – Pope Air Force Base, Fayetteville, North Carolina (C-130E)
    • 4th Special Operation Squadron – Hurlburt Field, Florida (AC-130U)
    • 7th Special Operation Squadron – Mildenhall, Great Britain (MC-130H)
    • 8th Special Operation Squadron – Duke Field, Florida (MC-130E)
    • 9th Special Operation Squadron – Eglin Air Force Base, Florida (MC-130P)
    • 14th Weapons Squadron – Hulburt Field, Florida (MC-130H)
    • 15th Special Operation Squadron – Hulburt Field, Florida (MC-130H)
    • 15th Test Squadron  – Hill Air Force Base, Utah (C-130H)
    • 16th Special Operation Squadron – Hulburt Field, Florida (AC-130H)
    • 17th Special Operation Squadron – Kadena Air Base, Japan (MC-130P)
    • 19th Special Operation Squadron – Hulburt Field, Florida (AC-130U/H)
    • 37th Airlift Squadron – Ramstein Air Base, Germany (C-130E)
    • 38th Airlift Squadron – Ramstein Air Base, Germany (C-130E/H)
    • 39th Airlift Squadron – Yokota Air Base, Japan (C-130E/H)
    • 39th Rescue Squadron Reserve Command – Patrick Air Force Base, Cocoa Beach, Florida (HC-130N/P)
    • 40th Airlift Squadron – Dyess Air Force Base, Texas (C-130H)
    • 40th Flight Test Squadron – Eglin Air Force Base, Florida (NC-130E)
    • 41st Airlift Squadron – Pope Air Force Base, Fayetteville, North Carolina (C-130E)
    • 41st Electronic Combat Squadron – Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Tucson, Arizona (EC-130H)
    • 43rd Electronic Combat Squadron – Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Tucson, Arizona (EC-130H)
    • 48th Airlift Squadron – Little Rock Air Force Base, Arkansas (C-130J)
    • 50th Airlift Squadron – Little Rock Air Force Base, Arkansas (C-130H)
    • 53rd Airlift Squadron – Little Rock Air Force Base, Arkansas (C-130E)
    • 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron Reserve Command – Keesler (WC-130J)
    • 61th Airlift Squadron – Little Rock Air Force Base, Arkansas (C-130E)
    • 62nd Airlift Squadron – Little Rock Air Force Base, Arkansas (C-130E)
    • 67th Special Operation Squadron – Mildenhall, Great Britain (MC-130P)
    • 71st Rescue Squadron – Moody Air Force Base, Georgia (HC-130P)
    • 79th Rescue Squadron – Davis Monthan Air Force Base, Tucson, Arizona (HC-130P)
    • 95th Airlift Squadron Reserve Command – Mitchell Field (C-130H)
    • 96th Airlift Squadron Reserve Command – Minneapolis, Minnesota (C-130E)
    • 102nd Rescue Squadron Air National Guard – Suffolk Field, Westhampton, New York (HC-130P)
    • 105th Airlift Squadron – Air National Guard Nashville, Tennessee (C-130H)
    • 109th Airlift Squadron – Air National Guard Minneapolis, Minnesota (C-130H)
    • 115th Fighter Squadron Air National Guard – Channel Island, Port Huebeme, California (C-130E)
    • 122nd Fighter Squadron Air National Guard – New Orleans (C-130E)
    • 130th Airlift Squadron – Air National Guard Kanawha, West Virginia (C-130H)
    • 130th Rescue Squadron Air National Guard – Moffett Field, Sunnyvale, California (HC-130P)
    • 135th Airlift Squadron – Air National Guard Martin Field (C-130J)
    • 139th Airlift Squadron – Air National Guard Schenectady County Airport, Scotia, New York (LC/C-130H)
    • 142nd Airlift Squadron – Air National Guard Wilmington (C-130H)
    • 143rd Airlift Squadron – Air National Guard Quonsett Point, (C-130J)
    • 154th Training Squadron – Air National Guard, Little Rock Air Force Base, Arkansas (C-130H)
    • 156th Airlift Squadron – Air National Guard Charlotte Douglas International Airport, Charlotte, North Carolina (C-130H)
    • 157th Fighter Squadron – Air National Guard McEntire, Columbia, South Carolina (C-130H)
    • 158nd Airlift Squadron – Air National Guard Savannah, Georgia (C-130H)
    • 159th Fighter Squadron Air National Guard – Jacksonville Florida (C-130H)
    • 164th Airlift Squadron – Air National Guard Youngstown Municipial Airport, Mansfield, Ohio (C-130H)
    • 165th Airlift Squadron – Air National Guard Louisville International Airport, Louisville, Kentucky (C-130H)
    • 167th Airlift Squadron – Air National Guard Martinsburg, West Virginia (C-130H)
    • 169th Airlift Squadron Air National Guard – Peoria (C-130E)
    • 171st Airlift Squadron Air National Guard – Selfridge, Michigan (C-130E)
    • 180th Airlift Squadron – Air National Guard Rosecrane (C-130H)
    • 181st Airlift Squadron – Air National Guard Carswell Air Force Base, Fort Worth, Texas (C-130H)
    • 185th Airlift Squadron – Air National Guard Will Rogers Field, Oklahoma (C-130H)
    • 187th Airlift Squadron – Air National Guard Cheyenne, Wyoming (C-130H)
    • 189th Airlift Squadron Air National Guard – Gowen Field, Boise, Idaho (C-130E)
    • 192nd Airlift Squadron – Air National Guard (C-130H)
    • 193rd Special Operation Squadron Air National Guard – Olmsted Field (EC-130E)
    • 198th Airlift Squadron Air National Guard – Muniz (C-130E)
    • 199th Fighter Squadron Air National Guard – Hickam Air Force Base, Hawaii (C-130H)
    • 204th Airlift Squadron Air National Guard – Hickam Air Force Base, Hawaii (C-130H)
    • 210th Rescue Squadron Air National Guard – Kulis Air National Gaurd Base, Anchorage, Alaska (HC-130P)
    • 321st Expeditionary Airlift Squadron – Jacobabad, Afghanistan (C-130H)
    • 327th Airlift Squadron Reserve Command – Willow Grove Naval Air Station, Philadelphia Pennsylvania (C-130E)
    • 328th Airlift Squadron Reserve Command – Niagara Falls, New York (C-130H)
    • 339th Flight Test Squadron – Robins Air Force Base, Georgia
    • 357th Airlift Squadron Reserve Command – Maxwell Air Force Base, Montgomery, Alabama (C-130H)
    • 366th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron – Ali Al Salem, Kuwait (C-130H)
    • 366th Rescue Squadron – Ali Al Salem, Kuwait (HC-130P)
    • 376th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron – Ganci Airbase, Afghanistan (C-130H)
    • 407th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron – Tallil, Iraq (C-130H)
    • 418th Test Squadron  – Edwards Air Force Base, California (AC-130U)
    • 517th Airlift Squadron – Elmendorf Air Force Base, Anchorage, Alaska (C-130H)
    • 550th Special Operations Squadron – Kirtland Air Force Base, Albuquerque, New Mexico (MC-130P)
    • 612nd Expeditionary Airlift Squadron – Munoz Marin IAP, Puerto Rico (C-130E/H)
    • 645th Material Squadron Det.1 – Palmdale, California (NC-130E, EC-130H)
    • 653rd Combat Logistics Support Squadron – Robins Air Force Base, Georgia
    • 700th Airlift Squadron Reserve Command – Dobbins Air Reserve Base, Atlanta, Georgia (C-130H)
    • 731st Airlift Squadron Reserve Command – Peterson Air Force Base, Colorado Springs, Colorado (C-130H)
    • 745th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron – Al Udeid, Qatar (C-130H)
    • 757th Airlift Squadron Reserve Command – Youngstown Municipial Airport, Mansfield, Ohio (C-130H)
    • 758th Airlift Squadron Reserve Command – Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (C-130H)
    • 773rd Airlift Squadron Reserve Command – Youngstown Municipial Airport, Mansfield, Ohio (C-130H)
    • 815th Airlift Squadron Reserve Command – Keesler (C-130J)
  • United States Coast Guard
  • United States Marine Corps
  • United States Navy

South America

Oceania

Other links

Modern USAF Series Miscellaneous
C-5 Galaxy Attack--OA/A-10,AC-130H/URC-135V/W
C-17 Globemaster III Bomber--B-52,-2,-1B,F-117AOC-135B
C-20 Gulfstream III Fighter--F-15/E ,F-16KC-10,-135
C-21 Learjet Electronic--E-3,-4B,-8C EC-130E/J,HHC-130P/N
C-32 C-22B Transport--C-5,-17,-141B, -20,-21MC-130E/H/P
C-130 Hercules C-22B, -32, -130, -37A, -40B/CMH-53J/M
C-141B Starlifter Trainers--T-1, -37, -38, -43, -6HH-60G
C-37A Gulfstream V Weather--WC-130, -135UH-1N
C-40B/C Clipper UAV--RQ-1/MQ-1 UAV, Global HawkU-2S/TU-2S
VC-25

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