Description:
The C-130 Hercules is a medium-size transport aircraft designed to operate from rough dirt strips. The first prototype, the YC-130A, maiden flight took place in 1954. The first model C-130A achieved initial operational capability in December1956 becoming thereafter the most important cargo transport aircraft of the free world. Since then, the C-130s had assumed a wide range of military tasks such as airlift, airdrop, reconnaissance, special operations, close air support, electronic warfare, air refueling, etc.
To date, more than 2,200 C-130s in 70 variants to five basic models (A, B , E, H and J) have been produced. Currently, the majority of C-130s in service belong to the E, H and J basic models introduced in the early 1960s, in the 1970s and late 1990s respectively. The US Air Force, Navy and Marines operate the C-130 aircraft as well as the air forces of 66 other nations worldwide. The US Air Force plans to convert the surviving E and H models to the C-130AMP (Avionics Modernization Program) configuration beginning in 2007. AMP covers avionics modernization and some engine improvements.
The C-130 features a an aft loading ramp and door and is able to accommodate a wide variety of oversized cargo, including everything ranging from utility helicopters and 6 wheeled armored vehicles to standard palletized cargo and military personnel. The Hercules can be configured to carry out different missions and re-configured to its original cargo transport mission.
The C-130J Hercules II is the latest and most advanced derivative of the proven C-130 cargo aircraft and will replace ageing C-130Es aircraft. It incorporates state-of-the-art technology to reduce manpower requirements, operating, support, and life cycle costs over current C-130s. The J model also features improved maneuverability and handling, shorter runaways needs for taking off and landing than previous models. The new turboprops AE 2100D3 engines with 6 blades are one of the keys of the C-130J improved performance.
The CC-130J, formerly known as the C-130J-30, is a stretch version, adding 15 feet to fuselage, increasing usable space in the cargo compartment, which translates to 30 percent more usable volume for increased seating, litters, pallets or airdrop platforms. This bigger cargo compartment can accommodate up to 7 pallets, 2 more than C-130J, and up to 92 paratroopers or 128 troops and their equipment, 28 more than C-130J. The long fuselage Super Hercules features a strengthened cargo ramp and improved airdrop system, allowing crews to make airdrops at 250 knots, which helps them avoid antiaircraft fire in hostile areas. The US Air Force cleared the container delivery system on the CC-130J aircraft in February 2005.
In July 2004, the Royal Danish Air Force notified Lockheed-Martin that it will exercise an option for one C-130J Super Hercules (long-fuselage version) in addition to three already delivered C-130Js ordered in December 2000. The contract for one additional C-130J was signed in October 2004.
Lockheed-Martin delivered the last of 22 C-130Js, a CC-130J, ordered by the Italian Air Force on 10 February 2005. Super Hercules deliveries to Italy began in 2000 with first order for 18 aircraft placed in 1997, two more in 1999 and two more in 2000 completing 12 C-130Js and 10 CC-130Js. As of 2005, these aircraft had been involved in tactical transport missions in Iraq and Afghanistan with the Italian Air Force.
Specifications Accommodation: Crew 3, Passengers 92
Dimensions: Height 11.4 m, Length 34.7 m, Wingspan 39.7 m
Weights: Max Weight 74,390 kg (163,999 lb), Payload 21,234 kg (46,812 lb)
Performance: Ceiling 10,058 m (32,999 ft), Max Range 4,661 km (2,517 nm), Top Speed 193 mps (Mach 0.58)
Power: Power 18,364 shp
Other: Number of Engines 4
CC-130J Super Hercules - Contracts, Orders & Sales
Canadian Air Force CC-130J airlifters to be delivered beginning in 2010
Denmark / 4
India / 6 / Planned
Letters of Offer and Acceptance for the procurement of six C-130J-30 aircraft for the Indian Air Force valued at $962 million to be delivered by December 2011
Italy / 10
Norway / 4
Qatar / 4
United States of America / 49
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Notes (*) lead contractor
IOC: Initial Operating Capability
FOC: Full Operating Capability
CEP: Circular Error Probable
Comm: Commissioning Date
Meters (m) Kilometers (km) Nautic Miles (nm) Inch (in) Yard (yd) Foot (ft) Millimeter (mm)
Pound (lb) Kilogram (kg) kN (KiloNewton) Ton (t)
Meters per Second (mps) Kilometers per Hour (kph) Knot (kt) Miles per Hour (mph)
Liter (l) Galon (gl)
Year (yr) Minutes (min) Second (sec)
Shaft-Horse-Power (shp)
Australia / 12 
Canada / 17 
Denmark / 4 
India / 6 / 
Italy / 10 
Norway / 4 
Qatar / 4 
United States of America / 49 