C-130 Hercules
IOC: 1956
Total Production: 2,337
Total Program's Cost: USD$25 billion
AC-130U Spooky
IOC: 1995
Production: 17
Unitary Cost: USD$81 million
Origin
United States of America
Contractor/s
Lockheed Martin
Family Members
C-130H Hercules
C-130J Super Hercules
CC-130J Super Hercules
EC-130J Commando Solo
KC-130J Super Hercules
MC-130H Talon II
MC-130J
MC-130W Combat Spear
WC-130J
Power plant:
T56-A-16 (4)
Sensors & Communications:
AN/AAQ-26
AN/ALR-69
AN/APQ-180
GMS2
Guns & Missile Launchers:
Mk 44
Protection Systems:
AN/ALQ-172
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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 an aft loading ramp and door and is able to accommodate a wide variety of oversized cargo, including everything 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 AC-130H Specter and AC-130U Spooky have been designed to provide close air support, air interdiction and force protection. These heavily armed aircraft include side-firing weapons integrated with sophisticated sensors (SAR, CCD-TV and IR), navigation and fire control systems to provide surgical firepower during extended loiter periods, at night and in adverse weather. The AC-130U is the most advanced gunship aircraft in the world and can attack two targets simultaneously.
The AC-130 aircraft were first introduced in Vietnam scoring 10,000 Vietnamese trucks and many US soldiers while providing close air support. Subsequently they were employed in Operation Urgent Fury in Grenada in 1983, Operation Just Cause in Panama in 1989, and Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan in 2001.
The AC-130U Spooky aircraft can be armed with one 105mm cannon in addition to one 40mm, and one additional 25mm guns. The US Air Force operates a fleet of 13 AC-130U gunships.
The US Air Force and Boeing selected Lockheed-Martin's Gunship Multispectral Sensor System (GMS2) to replace ALLTV sensor onto US Air Force's AC-130Us. The development contract valued at $10.7 million was awarded on January 11, 2005. The program total value could amount to $35 million including production options. GMS2 will be integrated onto for four new AC-130U aircraft bought by the Air Force.
The Boeing company expects to deliver the first of four AC-130Us ordered by the Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC) in 2006. These aircraft were chosen by AFSOC due to their capabilities in support of operational missions in the global war on terrorism.
Specifications
Accommodation: Crew 13
Guns: Main Gun Caliber 105 mm
Dimensions: Height 11.7 m, Length 29.8 m, Wingspan 40.4 m
Weights: Max Weight 70,308 kg (155,000 lb)
Performance: Ceiling 7,620 m (25,000 ft), Max Range 2,408 km (1,300 nm), Top Speed 133 mps (479 kph)
Power: Power 19,640 shp
Other: Number of Engines 4
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United States of America / 17 