C-130 “Hercules”
A Herculean Aircraft
The Hercules is known for its ability to tackle any mission, anywhere, at any time. While the “C” in C-130 stands for Cargo, the C-130 is a jack of all trades with its incredible versatility, much like the Roman divine hero Hercules. Produced by Lockheed Corporation, the C-130 Hercules began its career in the late 1950s in response to the Korean War, when the US Air Force wanted a multipurpose aircraft that could be used for a variety of transportation needs. The C-130 is large enough to accommodate a wide variety of oversized cargo, including everything from utility helicopters and six-wheeled armored vehicles, to standard palletized cargo military personnel. This aircraft can operate from rough, dirt strips and is the prime transport for airdropping troops and equipment into hostile areas. Basic and specialized versions of the aircraft airframe perform a diverse number of roles, including airlift support, aeromedical missions, weather reconnaissance, aerial spray missions, firefighting duties for the U.S. Forest Service, natural disaster relief missions and even Cold War satellite retrieval. The C-130 is one of the most widely used, adaptable, all-purpose cargo aircraft that the United States and other nations around the world still employ.
Maintaining Hercules
Hill Air Force Base has had a close working relationship with the Hercules aircraft over the years. Countless C-130s from the military services and other allied nations have frequently come to the base to pick up loads of supplies and munitions for delivery around the world, especially during times of war. Aside from this, the Ogden Air Logistics Complex has had various workloads associated with the aircraft. On 15 October 1958 the base was assigned prime and specialized maintenance and support responsibilities for C-130 landing gear components. Hill personnel also went on to provide depot-level maintenance, overhaul, and repair of C-130s, not just the US Air Force, but for its sister services, as well.
Our Hercules
Our Hercules has a storied history. It began as the second B model manufactured by Lockheed. In 1960, this aircraft supported jet-assisted take-off (JATO) testing at Edwards Air Force Base, California. Then, in May 1973, it served at Hickam Air Force Base, Hawaii. While there, this aircraft performed aerial retrieval of classified reconnaissance satellites as they floated back to Earth via parachute. After its time at Hickam, the US Air Force assigned this airframe to Hill Air Force Base in 1987. At Hill, the aircraft served as an electronic test platform and as a cargo transport.
Finally in January 1994, with over 11,000 flight hours, this aircraft made its final move where it is currently on static display at the Hill Aerospace Museum.
Lockheed NC-130B Hercules
S/N 57-0526
Primary Function: Global Airlift
Contractor: Lockheed-Martin Aeronautics Company
Crew: Five
Engines: Four Allison T56-A-7 turboprops; 4,050 horsepower each
Wingspan: 132 ft. 7 in.
Length: 97 ft. 9 in.
Height: 38 ft. 3 in.
Weight: empty, 72,892 lbs.; gross, 135,000 lbs.; max, 175,000 lbs.
Speed: cruise, 328 mph; max, 384 mph
Range: 2,090 miles
Service Ceiling: 41,300 feet
Armament: None
Cost: $22,900,000 (approximate)
