Several A models, redesignated C-130D, were modified with wheel-ski landing gear for service in the Arctic and for resupply missions to units along the Distant Early Warning line. Air Force satellites by the 6593rd Test Squadron at Hickam Air Force Base, Hawaii. Six C-130B's were modified in 1961 for snatch recovery of classified U.S.

C-130B's are used in aerial fire fighting missions by Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve units. The B model carries additional fuel in the wings, and has upgraded engines and strengthened landing gear. The C-130B introduced Allison T56-A-7 turboprops and the first of 134 entered Air Force service in April-June 1959. All special equipment was removable, permitting the aircraft to be used as freighters, assault transports, or ambulances. Two DC-130A's (originally GC-130A's) were built as drone launchers/directors, carrying up to four drones on underwing pylons. A total of 219 were ordered and the C-130A joined the U.S. The first prototype flight took place in 1954 and the first production flight followed on April 7, 1955. Conceptual studies of the C-130A, were initiated in 1951. The initial production model was the C-130A, with four Allison T56-A-11 or -9 turboprops. Early C-130A, B, and D versions are now retired. The C-130 Hercules has unsurpassed versatility, performance, and mission effectiveness. Of different configurations to meet an ever-changing environment and mission requirement. The basic airframe has been modified to hundreds It is the preferred transport aircraft for many US Government services and over 60 foreign countries. The turbo-prop, high-wing, versatile 'Herc' has accumulated over 20 million flight hours. In recent years, they have been used to bring humanitarian relief to many countries, including Haiti, Bosnia, Somalia, and Rwanda.įour decades have elapsed since the Air Force issued its original design specification, yet the remarkable C-130 remains in production. Basic and specialized versions perform a diversity of roles, including airlift support, DEW Line and Arctic ice resupply, aeromedical missions, aerial spray missions, fire-fighting duties for the US Forest Service, and natural disaster relief missions.

The aircraft is capable of operating from rough, dirt strips and is the prime transport for paradropping troops and equipment into hostile areas. The C-130 Hercules primarily performs the intratheater portion of the airlift mission.

Military jets with wing fuel tanks