The United States leads the pack with nearly 100 C-130 Hercules aircraft. The C130s are used for rescue missions, for training, logistics operations, refuelers, special ops and a few others. Here is the breakdown: United States Air Force operates 54 The United States Air National Gaurd has 26 The United States Coast Guard flies 6
How many C-130s does the Air Force have?
During a Senate Armed Services Airland subcommittee hearing Tuesday, the Air Force reiterated budget plans to reduce its C-130 fleet to 255 aircraft in the near future from about 300 currently.
Why did the C-130 get replaced?
In the 1970s, Lockheed proposed a C-130 variant with turbofan engines rather than turboprops, but the U.S. Air Force preferred the takeoff performance of the existing aircraft. In the 1980s, the C-130 was intended to be replaced by the Advanced Medium STOL Transport project.
What is a C-130 plane used for?
The aircraft is capable of operating from rough, dirt strips and is the prime transport for airdropping troops 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.
Where are C-130s deployed?
A C-130 deployed from the 120th Airlift Wing, Montana Air National Guard, sits on the ramp as the sun sets at Ali Al Salem Air Base, Kuwait on July 29, 2019. C-130's carry cargo around the AFCENT area of responsibility to deliver combat power where needed. (U.S. Air Force Photo by Tech. Sgt. Michael Mason)
How many C-130s does the US have?
The United States leads the pack with nearly 100 C-130 Hercules aircraft. The C130s are used for rescue missions, for training, logistics operations, refuelers, special ops and a few others. Here is the breakdown: United States Air Force operates 54.
Why is the C-130 still in service?
The C-130 serves as the airlift workhorse for supply missions around the world, largely due to its tactical advantage: Much more flexible and agile than its larger cousin, the C-17 Globemaster III, the C-130 can carry approximately 45,000 pounds and airdrop loads up to 42,000 pounds.
Is the C-130 still being produced?
The Air Force issued its original design specification in 1951, yet the remarkable C-130 remains in production.
Which countries have C-130?
Contents2.1 Afghanistan.2.2 Bangladesh.2.3 Taiwan (Republic of China)2.4 India.2.5 Indonesia.2.6 Iran.2.7 Iraq.2.8 Israel.More items...
What aircraft is replacing the C-130?
The AC-130J is the fifth generation gunship replacing the aging fleet of AC-130U/W gunships. AC-130 gunships have an extensive combat history dating back to Vietnam where gunships destroyed more than 10,000 trucks and were credited with many life-saving, close air support missions.
How much does a new C-130 cost?
The current cost per aircraft is US$14 million although Boeing expects that this price will drop to US$7 million for the 69th aircraft.
How much is a c130j worth?
In November 2019 the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency notified Congress of the potential sale of five C-130Js, 24 engines and related equipment for an estimated cost of US$1.4 billion. The sale was confirmed in June 2020, with the planes expected to be delivered between 2024 and 2025.
What's bigger c17 vs C-130?
Aircraft Size The C-130E, C-130H, and C-130J – three main variants of the six-decade-old aircraft that are currently active – are noticeably smaller than the C-17. These three C-130 variants measure 97 feet nine inches long, 38 feet, 10 inches tall with a 132-foot, seven-inch wingspan.
Why is the C-130 so popular?
First, it was conceived as a rugged, versatile airlifter that could meet the transport needs of diverse users by landing almost anywhere with 20 tons of cargo. Second, the Air Force and Lockheed continuously invested in new technology to improve the plane's performance for six straight decades.
Does Ukraine have a AC-130?
AC-130 Gunship Right now, the war in Ukraine is all about artillery. The Ukrainian forces have managed to negate much of Moscow's armored and numbers advantage.
Does Russia have AC-130?
The AC-130 has proven invaluable in small wars against lightly defended targets in Iraq and Afghanistan, as well as supporting special operations.
Can AC-130 land on an aircraft carrier?
The test revealed that the C-130 could lift 25,000 pounds (12.5 tons) of cargo and transport it 2,500 miles and land safely on the carrier, according to the video below. Still, the Navy considered it too risky and defaulted to the smaller COD.
How long has the C-130 been in service?
The C-130 Hercules is the longest continuously produced military aircraft at over 60 years, with the updated Lockheed Martin C-130J Super Hercules currently being produced.
What is the replacement for the C-130?
In October 2010, the Air Force released a capabilities request for information (CRFI) for the development of a new airlifter to replace the C-130. The new aircraft is to carry a 190 percent greater payload and assume the mission of mounted vertical maneuver (MVM). The greater payload and mission would enable it to carry medium-weight armored vehicles and drop them off at locations without long runways. Various options are being considered, including new or upgraded fixed-wing designs, rotorcraft, tiltrotors, or even an airship. Development could start in 2014, and become operational by 2024. The C-130 fleet of around 450 planes would be replaced by only 250 aircraft. The Air Force had attempted to replace the C-130 in the 1970s through the Advanced Medium STOL Transport project, which resulted in the C-17 Globemaster III that instead replaced the C-141 Starlifter. The Air Force Research Laboratory funded Lockheed and Boeing demonstrators for the Speed Agile concept, which had the goal of making a STOL aircraft that can take off and land at speeds as low as 70 kn (130 km/h; 81 mph) on airfields less than 2,000 ft (610 m) long and cruise at Mach 0.8-plus. Boeing's design used upper-surface blowing from embedded engines on the inboard wing and blown flaps for circulation control on the outboard wing. Lockheed's design also used blown flaps outboard, but inboard used patented reversing ejector nozzles. Boeing's design completed over 2,000 hours of windtunnel tests in late 2009. It was a 5 percent-scale model of a narrowbody design with a 55,000 lb (25,000 kg) payload. When the AFRL increased the payload requirement to 65,000 lb (29,000 kg), they tested a 5 percent-scale model of a widebody design with a 303,000 lb (137,000 kg) take-off gross weight and an " A400M -size" 158 in (4.0 m) wide cargo box. It would be powered by four IAE V2533 turbofans. In August 2011, the AFRL released pictures of the Lockheed Speed Agile concept demonstrator. A 23% scale model went through wind tunnel tests to demonstrate its hybrid powered lift, which combines a low drag airframe with simple mechanical assembly to reduce weight and better aerodynamics. The model had four engines, including two Williams FJ44 turbofans. On 26 March 2013, Boeing was granted a patent for its swept-wing powered lift aircraft.
How many aircraft were lost in the Vietnam War?
A total of 70 aircraft were lost by the U.S. Air Force and the U.S. Marine Corps during combat operations in the Vietnam War in Southeast Asia. By the nature of the Hercules' worldwide service, the pattern of losses provides an interesting barometer of the global hot spots over the past 50 years.
What is RC-130?
The RC-130 is a reconnaissance version. A single example is used by the Islamic Republic of Iran Air Force, the aircraft having originally been sold to the former Imperial Iranian Air Force . The Lockheed L-100 (L-382) is a civilian variant, equivalent to a C-130E model without military equipment.
What is a C-130 Hercules?
Lockheed Martin C-130J Super Hercules. The Lockheed C-130 Hercules is an American four-engine turboprop military transport aircraft designed and built originally by Lockheed (now Lockheed Martin ). Capable of using unprepared runways for takeoffs and landings, the C-130 was originally designed as a troop, medevac, and cargo transport aircraft.
When was the Hercules C3 restored?
Restored for ground training by August 1993. At Royal Saudi Air Force Museum, November 2002, restored for ground display by using a tail from another C-130H. United Kingdom. Hercules C3 XV202 served with the Royal Air Force from 1967 to 2011, is on display at the Royal Air Force Museum Cosford.
When was the YC-130 made?
Aircraft displayed at the Norwegian Armed Forces Aircraft Collection. The first flight of the YC-130 prototype was made on 23 August 1954 from the Lockheed plant in Burbank, California. The aircraft, serial number 53-3397, was the second prototype, but the first of the two to fly.
When was the C-130 first used?
The first of some 70 different variants – a ski-equipped version for resupplying Distant Early Warning radar sites-- was initially tested in 1957 .
What was the C-130 used for?
The C-130 airframe was immediately recognized for its incredible versatility, prompting it to be quickly adapted for use in supporting special mission requirements. The first of some 70 different variants – a ski-equipped version for resupplying Distant Early Warning radar sites-- was initially tested in 1957. An electronic reconnaissance version came soon after. Read more about the many missions of the Hercules.
How many countries operate the C-130J?
To date, 16 countries operate or will operate the C-130J, which has been used to set 54 world aviation records.
Where does the LC-130 fly?
The LC-130, equipped with Teflon-coated skis, can land easily on snow and ice. LC-130s regularly operate from Greenland and Antarctica. The C-130J Super Hercules flew its first flight on April 5, 1996. If playback doesn't begin shortly, try restarting your device.
Where does the LC-130 ski land?
The LC-130, equipped with Teflon-coated skis, can land easily on snow and ice. LC-130s regularly operate from Greenland and Antarctica.
When was the first YC-130?
The first flight of YC-130 took place on Aug. 23, 1954, at Lockheed’s Burbank, California, plant. Its four turboprop engines enabled the YC-130 to take off in only 800 feet.
When was the YC-130 made?
The then-Lockheed Aircraft Corporation won the competition and was contracted to produce two prototype YC-130 aircraft on July 2, 1951.
Libya
A C-130H captured in airworthy condition with 3 others at Gamal Abdul El Nasser Air Base.
Nigeria
88 MAG based at Lagos (C-130H, C-130H-30). On 26 September 1992 a NAF Lockheed C-130H Hercules serial number 911 crashed three minutes after take-off from Lagos, Nigeria when three engines failed possibly due to high take-off weight. All 158 people on board were killed, including 8 foreign nationals.
Bangladesh
4 C-130B and 1 TC-130B under 101st Squadron based on BAF Base Kurmitola
Republic of China
10th Tactical Airlift Group (101st Airlift Squadron and 102nd Airlift Squadron) – C-130H
India
The Indian Air Force (IAF) inducted its first C-130J-30 Super Hercules on 5 February 2011. The remaining five on order were delivered by the end of 2011, and operated by 77 Squadron, the Veiled Vipers. On 3 October 2011 India announced its decision to buy six additional C-130J-30 Super Hercules taking the total to 12.
Japan
The JMSDF bought six KC-130R aircraft that were retired and in storage. They are being refitted with new landing gear supports, cargo door supports, center wing rainbow fittings, and corrosion repair.
Jordan
3 Sqn based at Al Matar Airbase/Amman (currently operates 7 C-130H/E & 2 Casa CN-295), older C-130Bs were sold to Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) and converted to KC-130B configuration in early 1980s.)
How many C-130J-30s are in service?
The IAF has five C-130J-30s in service as of January 2016.
What is a C-130?
Military operators of the C-130: Current operators. Former operators. Lockheed C-130E Hercules of the 43rd Airlift Wing, United States Air Force. The Lockheed C-130 Hercules is a multipurpose military transport aircraft used by many different nations around the world. This is a list of the specific military units, as well as some civilian airlines, ...
What is the 122 squadron?
122 Squadron – 5× C-130H, 1× KC-130H, 2 × C-130B (ex-USAF) and 2× KC-130B (ex-Royal Jordanian Air Force airframes) based at Paya Lebar Air Base. Starting from 2010, all 10 aircraft will progressively undergo an extensive modernisation/upgrade process by ST Aerospace to bring them up to a common standard (K/C-130H3) with the replacement of cockpit flight management system by a modern glass cockpit avionics suite, central engine displays to replace analogue gauges, improved voice communications, digital autopilot, flight director as well as a digital weather radar, which will make the aircraft Global Air Traffic Management (GATM) -compliant. Also, the C-130Bs will receive an auxiliary power unit and environmental control system in common with the C-130Hs.
What aircraft did JMSDF buy?
The JMSDF bought six used KC-130R aircraft that were in storage, having been previously operated by the US Marines. There was some speculation that they may be used as gunships with the Harvest HAWK kit. In actuality they were purchased to replace three aging YS-11M/M-A aircraft of Air Transport Squadron 61.
How many C-130s are there in Sweden?
Sweden has operated eight C-130 aircraft (locally designated the Tp 84 ), originally delivered as C-130Es beginning in February 1965. They were upgraded to C-130H standard in the 1980s and are assigned to Skaraborg Air Force Wing (F 7), 3 Transportflygenhet based at Såtenäs.
When did Poland order the C-130H?
14 Eskadra Lotnictwa Transportowego, Powidz (5 ex- USAF C-130E Hercules overhauled and delivered to Poland in 2009–2012 as part of military aid, 3 more C-130E leased between 2009 and 2012 as interim solution, two of them are retired and given to Poland for spares, last one returned to USA). In 2021 Poland ordered a batch of 5 surplus USAF C-130H under Excess Defense Articles program with deliveries expected until 2024.
When was the C-130J-30 Super Hercules launched?
The Indian Air Force (IAF) inducted its first C-130J-30 Super Hercules on 5 February 2011. The remaining five on order were delivered by the end of 2011, and operated by 77 Squadron, the Veiled Vipers.
What is the C-130 used for?
C-130s also have been reconfigured for crucial missions stateside, such as the Modular Airborne Fire Fighting System to battle wildfires; the Modular Aerial Spray System aircraft to spray for pests such as mosquitoes; and the WC-130 "Hurricane Hunter" aircraft for weather reconnaissance.
How much weight can a C-130 carry?
The C-130 serves as the airlift workhorse for supply missions around the world, largely due to its tactical advantage: Much more flexible and agile than its larger cousin, the C-17 Globemaster III, the C-130 can carry approximately 45,000 pounds and airdrop loads up to 42,000 pounds.
How many planes will the Air Force cut in 2021?
Air Force Plans to Cut 45 Planes from Its Workhorse C-130 Fleet, Upgrade Others. Airmen from the 179th Airlift Wing, Mansfield, Ohio, depart their home station in a C-130H Hercules, Feb. 22, 2021. (Joe Harwood/U.S. Air National Guard) The U.S. Air Force believes it can sustain and upgrade 92 of its oldest C-130 military transport aircraft even as ...
Did the Senators jump to support a cut?
Senators haven't jumped to support a potential cut , nor have they been quick to back high-speed vertical takeoff and landing aircraft or other innovative solutions as a trade-off for more modernized equipment.
Can the C-130 land on ice?
The service also maintains some special mission C-130s -- such as EC-130 airborne communications jamming aircraft and the LC-130 "Skibird," which can land on ice and snow for Antarctic missions. It was not immediately clear how these aircraft would be affected by the potential fleet downsizing.
Does the C-130J incur additional costs?
As the service brings in new C- 130J models, it will incur additional costs to sustain those aircraft in the future, Nahom said. "That comes obviously at an added cost to what we can do with that money for other areas that we're frankly carrying greater risks than on the C-130," he added.
Why did the Air Force take the C-130 out of service?
Earlier this year, the Air Force took 60 C-130H model aircraft out of service to examine and replace engine propeller blades that inspectors deemed risky because the blades were manufactured before 1971. Many were removed as a safety precaution.
Why are C-130s still flying?
Navy and Marine C-130s Still Flying After Air Force Found 'Atypical Cracks'. Air Force Takes C-130s Out of Service to Examine Suspect Propeller Blades. Last week, Gen. Maryanne Miller, head of AMC, ordered 123 of the 450 C-130 models on Air Force flight lines to be stood down as a safety precaution after "atypical cracks were discovered on ...
Is the C-130 grounded?
The Navy and Marine Corps began their own assessments of their C-130 aircraft following the Air Force's announcement. While the sea services have not grounded any C-130 air craft, Naval Air Systems Command's tactical airlift program office began evaluating the fleet for problems, Lt. Travis Callaghan, a spokesman for Naval Air Forces, ...
Overview
Design and development
The Korean War showed that World War II-era piston-engine transports—Fairchild C-119 Flying Boxcars, Douglas C-47 Skytrains and Curtiss C-46 Commandos—were no longer adequate. Thus, on 2 February 1951, the United States Air Force issued a General Operating Requirement (GOR) for a new transport to Boeing, Douglas, Fairchild, Lockheed, Martin, Chase Aircraft, North American, Northrop, a…
Operational history
The first batch of C-130A production aircraft were delivered beginning in 1956 to the 463d Troop Carrier Wing at Ardmore AFB, Oklahoma and the 314th Troop Carrier Wing at Sewart AFB, Tennessee. Six additional squadrons were assigned to the 322d Air Division in Europe and the 315th Air Division in the Far East. Additional aircraft were modified for electronics intelligence work and assigne…
Variants
Significant military variants of the C-130 include:
C-130A/B/E/F/G/H/K/T Tactical airlifter basic models C-130A-II Dreamboat Early version Electronic Intelligence/Signals Intelligence (ELINT/SIGINT) aircraft C-130J Super Hercules Tactical airlifter, with new engines, avionics, and updated systems C-130B BLC A one-off conversion of C-130B 58–0712, modified with …
Accidents
The C-130 Hercules has had a low accident rate in general. The Royal Air Force recorded an accident rate of about one aircraft loss per 250,000 flying hours over the last 40 years, placing it behind Vickers VC10s and Lockheed TriStars with no flying losses. USAF C-130A/B/E-models had an overall attrition rate of 5% as of 1989 as compared to 1–2% for commercial airliners in the U.S., according to the NTSB, 10% for B-52 bombers, and 20% for fighters (F-4, F-111), trainers (T-37, T-38), …
Aircraft on display
• C-130B FAA TC-60. ex USAF 61-0964 received in February 1992 now at Museo Nacional de Aeronáutica since September 2011.
• C-130A RAAF A97-214 used by 36 Squadron from early 1959, withdrawn from use late 1978; now at RAAF Museum, RAAF Base Williams, Point Cook.
• C-130E RAAF A97-160 used by 37 Squadron from August 1966, withdrawn from use N…
Specifications (C-130H)
Data from USAF C-130 Hercules fact sheet, International Directory of Military Aircraft, Complete Encyclopedia of World Aircraft, and Encyclopedia of Modern Military Aircraft.
General characteristics
• Crew: 5 (2 pilots, CSO/navigator, flight engineer and loadmaster)
See also
Aircraft of comparable role, configuration, and era
• Antonov An-12
• Armstrong Whitworth AW.660 Argosy
• Blackburn Beverley
• Shaanxi Y-8