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Lockheed C-130 Hercules Heavy Transport |
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DESCRIPTION:
Development of the C-130 Hercules began in the early 1950s, and the popular transport continues to be produced in large numbers half a century later. New C-130J and L-100 airframes continue to enter service both for military and civil operators, a trend which shows no signs of slowing for at least the next several years. Following the Berlin Airlift and the Korean War, the USAF realized the need for a new transport with a large unobstructed cargo space, turboprop engines for better performance, and rough field operational capability. The winner of the USAF design competition was the Lockheed C-130. With a high-mounted wing to maximize cargo space and a hydraulically-operated ramp at the rear of the fuselage, the C-130 set the standard layout for all future cargo aircraft. The initial C-130A was so popular with pilots and capable of such exceptional performance that the basic airframe was soon adapted to numerous other tasks. Many early models were converted to AC-130 aerial gunships equipped with large-caliber guns and heavy armor. Other applications in which the C-130 has found success include search-and-rescue, airborne refueling, airborne early warning, and special forces transport. Over 2,000 C-130 aircraft have been built in numerous variants. Current production is focused on the latest C-130J models.
Data below for C-130H and AC-130U |
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| HISTORY: | |
| First Flight |
(YC-130A) 13 August 1954 (C-130A) 7 April 1955 (C-130E) 25 August 1961 |
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Service Entry
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(C-130A) December 1956 (C-130B) May 1959 (C-130E) August 1962 (EC-130E) 1986 (MC-130E) 1966 (C-130H) June 1974 (AC-130H) 1972 (EC-130H) June 1974 (MC-130H) June 1991 (WC-130H) 1964 (C-130J) February 1999 (HC-130P/N) 1964 (MC-130P) 1986 (AC-130U) 1995 |
| CREW: |
(C-130E/H) five: pilot, co-pilot, navigator, flight engineer, loadmaster (EC-130E) 16: pilot, co-pilot, navigator, mission control chief, flight engineer, loadmaster, five electronic communications systems operators, five electronic communications systems operators (MC-130E) nine: pilot, co-pilot, two navigators, electronic warfare officer; flight engineer, radio operator, two loadmasters (EC-130H) 13: pilot, co-pilot, navigator, flight engineer, electronic warfare officer, mission crew supervisor, four crypto logic linguists, high band operator, acquisition operator, airborne maintenance technician (MC-130H) seven: pilot, co-pilot, navigator, electronic warfare officer; flight engineer, two loadmasters (WC-130H) six: pilot, co-pilot, navigator, flight engineer, aerial reconnaissance weather officer, dropsonde system operator (C-130J) three: pilot, co-pilot, loadmaster (EC-130J) 10: pilot, co-pilot, navigator, mission control chief, loadmaster, five electronic communications systems operators (HC-130P/N) 10: pilot, co-pilot, navigator, flight engineer, airborne communications specialist, two loadmasters, three pararescuemen (MC-130P) eight: pilot, co-pilot, right navigator, left navigator, flight engineer, communications systems operator, two loadmasters (AC-130U) 13: pilot, co-pilot, navigator, fire control officer, electronic warfare office, flight engineer, TV operator, infrared detection set operator, loadmaster, four aerial gunners |
| PASSENGERS: |
92 troops, 64 paratroops, or 74 stretchers
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ESTIMATED COST:
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(C-130E) $11.9 million [1998$] (C-130H) $30.1 million [1998$] (EC-130E) $70 million [2004$] (MC-130E) $75 million [2001$] (AC-130H) $132.4 million [2001$] (EC-130H) $30.1 million [2003$] (MC-130H) $155 million [2001$] (WC-130H) $13 million [1960$] (C-130J) $48.5 million [1998$] (EC-130J) $90 million [2004$] (HC-130P/N) $18.4 million [1998$] (MC-130P) $75 million [2001$] (AC-130U) $190 million [2001$] |
| AIRFOIL SECTIONS: | |
| Wing Root | NACA 64A318 |
|
Wing Tip
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NACA 64A412
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| DIMENSIONS: | |
| Length | 97.75 ft (29.79 m) |
| Wingspan | 132.58 ft (40.41 m) |
| Height | 38.25 ft (11.66 m) |
| Wing Area | 1,745 ft² (162.12 m²) |
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Canard Area
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not applicable
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| WEIGHTS: | |
| Empty | 75,745 lb (34,430 kg) |
| Normal Takeoff | 155,000 lb (70,455 kg) |
| Max Takeoff | 175,000 lb (79,380 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity |
internal: 44,240 lb (20,108 kg) external: 18,160 lb (8,255 kg) |
|
Max Payload
|
42,580 lb (19,355 kg)
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| PROPULSION: | |
| Powerplant | four Allison T56-A-15 turboprops (plus jet-assisted takeoff capability) |
| Thrust |
18,032 shp (13,448 kW)
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| PERFORMANCE: | |
| Max Level Speed |
at altitude: 385 mph (620 km/h) at sea level: unknown cruise speed: 345 mph (555 km/h) |
| Initial Climb Rate | 1,900 ft (579 m) / min |
| Service Ceiling | 33,000 ft (10,060 m) |
| Range |
typical: 2,160 nm (4,000 km) ferry: 4,270 nm (7,900 km) |
| g-Limits |
unknown
|
| ARMAMENT: | |
| Gun |
(normal) none (AC-130U) one 105-mm howitzer, one Bofors 40-mm gun, one GAU-12/U 25-mm six-barrel gun (3,000 rds) |
| Stations | 2 hardpoints |
| Air-to-Air Missile | none |
| Air-to-Surface Missile | none |
| Bomb | GBU-43 Massive Ordnance Air Blast, BLU-82 Daisy Cutter |
| Other |
none
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| KNOWN VARIANTS: | |
| YC-130A | Prototype; 2 built |
| C-130A | First production model with Allison T56-A-1A engines; 204 built |
| AC-130A | C-130A models converted to gunships for use in Vietnam |
| C-130A-II | C-130A models modified for electronic reconnaissance |
| DC-130A or GC-130A | C-130A models converted to launch and control drone aircraft |
| JC-130A | C-130A models modified to track and retrieve missiles tested over the Atlantic test range |
| NC-130A | Test aircraft |
| RC-130A | C-130A models modified for photo-reconnaissance |
| TC-130A | Prototype crew training aircraft converted from C-130A |
| C-130B | Extended-range version with increased fuel capacity and gross weight as well as improved engines; 132 built |
| C-130B-II or RC-130B | C-130B models converted to electronic reconnaissance role |
| HC-130B | US Coast Guard search-and-rescue model; 12 built |
| JC-130B | C-130B models modified for aerial recovery of spy satellite data capsules |
| KC-130B | C-130B models modified as in-flight refueling tankers; 2 converted |
| VC-130B | JC-130B temporarily used as a staff transport |
| WC-130B | Weather reconnaissance model based on the C-130B |
| C-130D | Arctic/Antarctic model equipped with skis |
| C-130E | Extended-range version with increased fuel capacity and improved engines; 389 built |
| AC-130E | C-130E models modified for aerial gunship role |
| C-130E-II or EC-130E | Airborne command and control model based on the C-130E; at least 9 converted |
| DC-130E | C-130E models converted to launch and control drone aircraft |
| EC-130E | C-130E models rebuilt for command and control mission |
| HC-130E | C-130E models converted for search-and-rescue duty |
| JC-130E | Test aircraft |
| MC-130E Combat Talon | HC-130E models modified for clandestine special forces missions |
| MC-130E-C | Subariant of the MC-130E equipped with Fulton STAR equipment |
| MC-130E-S | Subvariant of the MC-130E equipped for signals intelligence missions |
| MC-130E-Y | Subvariant of the MC-130E |
| NC-130E | Test aircraft |
| WC-130E | C-130E models converted for weather reconnaissance |
| C-130F or GV-1U | US Navy transport similar to the C-130B |
| KC-130F or GV-1 | US Marines in-flight refueling tanker |
| LC-130F or UV-1L | US Navy ski-equipped transport for Antarctic use; 4 built |
| C-130G | US Navy transport similar to the C-130E; 4 built |
| EC-130G | C-130G aircraft converted as VLF communications relay platforms; 4 converted |
| C-130H | New build aircraft with more powerful engines and a strengthened airframe |
| C-130H (CT) | Former MC-130E aircraft rebuilt with new engines and avionics |
| C-130H-MP or PC-130H | Maritime patrol and search-and-rescue model based on the C-130H |
| C-130H (S) | C-130H model built with the lengthened fuselage of the L-100-30 |
| AC-130H Spectre | AC-130E gunship models rebuilt with new engines and in-flight refueling capability |
| DC-130H | C-130H aircraft converted for drone launch and control duty |
| EC-130H Compass Call | Former EC-130E aircraft rebuilt with new engines and used for communications jamming as well as other electronic warfare duties |
| HC-130H | SAR and recovery model with re-entry tracking radar system |
| HC-130H(N) | New-build version of the HC-130 search-and-rescue model equipped with improved avionics |
| JHC-130H | HC-130H models modified to recover spy satellite data capsules; 3 converted |
| KC-130H | In-flight refueling tanker exported to US allies |
| LC-130H | US Air Force ski-equipped version of the C-130H; 4 built |
| MC-130H Combat Talon II | Replacement for the MC-130E with a new radar, FLIR system, defensive countermeasures, and a low-altitude delivery system |
| VC-130H | HC-130H models converted into VIP transports; 2 converted |
| WC-130H | HC-130H models modified to conduct weather reconnaissance; 15 converted |
| C-130J | Improved new build model with uprated engines and new avionics, can carry up to 92 troops, 64 paratroops, 74 litters, five cargo pallets, or 16 container delivery system bundles |
| C-130J-30 | Long-range stretched C-130J equipped with Enhanced Cargo Handling System, can carry up to 128 troops, 92 paratroops, 97 litters, seven cargo pallets, or 24 container delivery system bundles |
| EC-130J Commando Solo | Variant of the C-130J used by the US Air Force to make broadcasts in radio, television, and military communications bands |
| HC-130J | Variant of the C-130J used by the US Coast Guard for long-range surveillance maritime patrol missions and by the US Air Force for combat search and rescue |
| KC-130J | New in-flight refueling transport for US Marines with 21% higher speed and 40% greater range than older KC-130F/R models, equipped with improved refueling system, night vision system and other upgraded avionics |
| MC-130J | Special operations variant of the C-130J built for the US Air Force |
| C-130K or Hercules C.1 | British Royal Air Force model |
| C-130K or Hercules C.3 | British Royal Air Force model with a lengthened fuselage |
| HC-130N | Search-and rescue model; 15 built |
| HC-130P | Search-and rescue model equipped to refuel rescue helicopters |
| MC-130P Combat Shadow | Special operations version of the HC-130N/P |
| EC-130Q | Advanced version of the EC-130G based on the C-130H |
| KC-130R | US Marines refueling tanker similar to the KC-130H |
| LC-130R | US Navy ski-equipped version with improvements over the LC-130H; 6 built |
| RC-130S | JC-130A aircraft equipped with high-intensity lights for night SAR missions; 2 converted |
| KC-130T | US Marines Corps Reserves refueling tanker similar to the KC-130R but with updated avionics |
| KC-130T-30H | Tanker with the lengthened fuselage of the C-130H(S) allowing increased fuel capacity |
| AC-130U Spooky | US Air Force special forces aerial gunship based on the MC-130H, equipped with a new 25-mm Gatling gun and upgraded electronics; 13 built |
| EC-130V or C-130 AEW | US Coast Guard HC-130H aircraft converted to carry a new radar mounted above the fuselage for use against drug smuggling |
| L-100 | Civil version of the C-130 |
| HTTB |
Lockheed test aircraft intended for short takeoff/landing research, equipped with advanced flight controls,
new avionics, enlarged flaps, strengthened landing gear, and other improvements
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KNOWN COMBAT RECORD:
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Vietnam War (USAF, USN, USMC, 1965-1972) Yom Kippur War (Israel, 1973) Iran - Operation Eagle Claw (USAF [C-130, KC-130], 1980) Grenada - Operation Urgent Fury (USAF [C-130, AC-130, EC-130, MC-130], 1983) Panama - Operation Just Cause (USAF [C-130, AC-130], 1989) Iraq - Operation Desert Storm (USAF, USMC [C-130, AC-130, KC-130], 1991) Bosnia - Operation Deliberate Force (USAF [EC-130E/H, AC-130H, MC/HC-130P], Italy [C-130], Spain [KC-130], 1995) Kosovo - Operation Allied Force (USAF [AC-130H], 1999) Afghanistan - Operation Enduring Freedom (USAF, USMC [C-130, AC-130U, EC-130, KC-130], 2001-present) Iraq - Operation Iraqi Freedom (USAF, USMC, Japan [C-130, AC-130U, EC-130, KC-130], 2003-present) Libya - Operation Unified Protector / Odyssey Dawn (Canada, Denmark, Italy, Norway, Qatar, Sweden, USAF [C-130, AC-130U, EC-130], USMC [KC-130J], 2011) |
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KNOWN OPERATORS:
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Algeria, Al Quwwat al Jawwawiya al Jaza'eriya (Algerian Air Force) Argentina, Fuerza Aérea Argentina (Argentine Air Force) Australia (Royal Australian Air Force) Belgium, Belgishe Luchtmacht/Force Aérienne Belge (Belgian Air Force) Bolivia, Fuerza Aérea Boliviana (Bolivian Air Force) Brazil, Força Aérea Brasileira (Brazilian Air Force) Cameroon, l'Armee de l'Air du Cameroun (Cameroon Air Force) Canada (Canadian Armed Forces, Air Command) Chad, Force Aérienne Tchadienne (Chad Air Force) Chile, Fuerza Aérea de Chile (Chilean Air Force) Colombia, Fuerza Aérea Colombiana (Columbian Air Force) Denmark, Kongelige Danske Flyvevåbnet (Royal Danish Air Force) Ecuador, Fuerza Aérea Equatoriana (Ecuadorian Air Force) Egypt, Al Quwwat al Jawwiya il Misriya (Egyptian Air Force) France, Armée de l'Air (French Air Force) Gabon, Armée de l'Air Gabonaise (Gabon Air Force) Greece, Elliniki Polimiki Aeroporia (Hellenic Air Force) Honduras, Fuerza Aérea Hondureña (Honduran Air Force) India, Bharatiya Vayu Sena (Indian Air Force) Indonesia, Tentara Nasional Indonesia - Angkatan Udara (Indonesian Air Force) Iran (Imperial Iranian Air Force) Iran (Islamic Republic of Iran Air Force) Iraq, Al Quwwat Al Jawwiya al Iraqiya (Iraqi Air Force) Israel, Tsvah Haganah le Israel - Heyl Ha'Avir (Israeli Defence Force - Air Force) Italy, Aeronautica Militare Italiana (Italian Air Force) Japan, Nihon Koku-Jieitai (Japan Air Self Defence Force) Jordan, Al Quwwat al-Jawwiya al-Malakiya al-Urduniya (Royal Jordanian Air Force) Kuwait, al-Quwwat al-Jawwiya al-Kuwaitiya (Kuwaiti Air Force) Libya, Al Quwwat al Jawwiya al Jamahiriya al Arabia al Libyya (Libyan Air Force) Malaysia, Tentera Udara Diraja Malaysia (Royal Malaysian Air Force) Mexico, Fuerza Aérea Mexicana (Mexican Air Force) Morocco, Al Quwwat al Jawiyya al Malakiya Marakishiya (Royal Moroccan Air Force) Netherlands, Koninklijke Luchmacht (Royal Netherlands Air Force) New Zealand (Royal New Zealand Air Force) Nigeria (Nigerian Air Force) Norway, Kongelige Norske Luftforsvaret (Royal Norwegian Air Force) Oman, Al Quwwat al-Jawwiya al-Sultanat Oman (Royal Oman Air Force) Pakistan, Pakistan Fiza'ya (Pakistani Air Force) Peru, Fuerza Aérea del Perú (Peruvian Air Force) Philippines, Hukbong Himpapawid ng Pilipinas (Philippine Air Force) Portugal, Força Aérea Portuguesa (Portuguese Air Force) Qatar (Qatar Emiri Air Force) Saudi Arabia, Al Quwwat al Jawwiya al Malakiya as Sa'udiya (Royal Saudi Air Force) Singapore (Republic of Singapore Air Force) South Africa, Suid-Afrikaanse Lugmag (South African Air Force) South Korea, Han-guk Kong Goon (Republic of Korea Air Force) Spain, Ejército del Aire Española (Spanish Air Force) Sudan, Silakh al Jawwiya As'Sudaniya (Sudanese Air Force) Sweden, Svenska Flygvapnet (Swedish Air Force) Taiwan, Chung-Kuo Kung Chuan (Republic of China Air Force) Thailand, Kongtap Agard Thai (Royal Thai Air Force) Tunisia, Al Quwwat al-Jawwiya al-Jamahiriyah At'Tunisia (Republic of Tunisia Air Force) Turkey, Türk Hava Kuvvetleri (Turkish Air Force) United Arab Emirates (United Arab Emirates Air Force) United Kingdom (Royal Air Force) United States (US Air Force) United States (US Coast Guard) United States (US Marine Corps) United States (US Navy) Uruguay, Fuerza Aérea Uruguaya (Uruguayan Air Force) Venezuela, Fuerza Aérea Venezolana (Venezuelan Air Force) Yemen (Unified Yemen Air Force) Zaire, Force Aérienne Zairoise (Zaire Air Force) |
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