C-130 Hercules

C-130 Model Evolution

Four decades have elapsed since the U.S. Air Force issued its original design specification, yet the C-130 remains in production.

The initial production model was the C-130A, with four Allison turboprop engines. A total of 219 were ordered and deliveries began in December 1956.

The C-130B introduced Allison T56-A-7 turboprop engines and the first of 134 aircraft of this model entered USAF service in May 1959. Introduced in August of 1962, the 389 C-130Es that were ordered used the same Allison T56-A-7 engine, but added two 1,290 gallon external fuel tanks and an increased maximum takeoff weight capability.

In June of 1974, the first of 308 C-130Hs were delivered, with the more powerful Allison T56-A-15 turboprop engine. Nearly identical to the C-130E externally, the new engine brought major performance improvements to the aircraft.

The latest C-130 to be produced, the C-130J, entered the inventory in February 1999. With the noticeable difference of a six-bladed composite propeller coupled to a Rolls-Royce AE2100D3 turboprop engine, the C-130J brings substantial performance improvements over all previous models. The C-130J-30, a stretch version with a 15-foot fuselage extension, increases the capabilities even more.

Four decades have passed since the U.S. Air Force issued its original design specification, yet the C- 130 remains in production to this day.
The original product model was the C- 130A, with four Allison turboprop engines. A total of 219 were ordered and deliveries began in December 1956.
The C- 130B introduced Allison T56-A-7 turboprop powerplants and the first of 134 aircraft of this model entered USAF service in May 1959. Introduced in August of 1962, the 389 C- 130Es that were ordered used the same Allison T56-A-7 engines, but added two,290 gallon external tanks and an increased outside takeoff weight capability.
In June of 1974, the first of 308 C- 130Hs were delivered, with the more important Allison T56-A-15 turboprop powerplants. Nearly identical to the C- 130E externally, the new transport brought major performance advancements to the aircraft.
The last Model C- 130 to be produced, the C- 130J, entered the force in February 1999. With the conspicuous difference of a six- bladed compound propeller coupled to a Rolls- Royce AE2100D3 turboprop engines, the C- 130J brings substantial performance advancements over all former models. The C- 130J- 30, a stretch interpretation with a 15- bottom fuselage extension, increases the capabilities more than previous variants.

Major C-130 Variants

Model :C-130A/B/E/F/G/H/K/T

Purpose: Tactical Airlifter

Model C-130J Super Hercules

Purpose: Tactical Airlifter

Model: AC-130 Spectre/Spooky/Stinger II/Ghostrider

Purpose: Gunship

Model: EC-130

Purpose: Airborne Battlefield Command and Control Center

Model: KC-130

Purpose: Aerial Tanker

Model: WC-130

Purpose: Weather reconnaissance ("Hurricane Hunter")

C-130 Hercules Deployment

The C- 130 Hercules primarily performs the Non Strategic portion of the airlift contingent of any Air Force. The aircraft is able of operating from rough, dirt strips and is the Go-to transport for airdropping supplies and equipment into hostile areas.
The C- 130 operates throughout the U.S. Air Force, serving with Air Mobility Command, Air Force Special Operations Command, Air Combat Command, U.S. Air Forces in Europe, Pacific Air Forces, Air National Guard and the Air Force Reserve Command, fulfilling a wide range of functional operations in both peace and wartime situations.
The C- 130 is also a crucial transport aircraft in the air forces of numerous countries, including France, Egypt, Pakistan, Spain, Kuwait, the UAE and further.

Pima Air Museum C-130 Hercules

C-130A Hercules

Serial Number: 57-0457

Current Markings: 118th Tactical Airlift Wing, Tennessee Air National Guard, Nashville, 1989

C-130 D 

Serial Number 57-0493

Current markings: 109th Tactical Airlift Group, New York Air National Guard, Schenectady County Airport, New York, 1984

Role: To support the “DEW Line” early-warning radar sites located on the far northern ice cap.  this C-130 Is Equipped with skis able to land on Polar Ice Caps and Other Cold weather Environments.