C-130

The Lockheed C-130 Hercules is a legendary tactical airlifter renowned for its ruggedness and versatility. Developed by Lockheed Corporation, now part of Lockheed Martin, the C-130 family has been in continuous production since 1954, making it the longest-produced military aircraft. Its maiden flight was on August 23, 1954, and it entered service in December 1956, initially with the United States Air Force.

Lockheed Martin, a global aerospace and defense technology company, manufactures and continually upgrades the C-130, with the C-130J Super Hercules being the newest and only model currently in production. The C-130J features new turboprop engines, six-bladed propellers, and digital avionics.

The C-130 Hercules is utilized by military forces in over 60 nations worldwide. Its ability to operate from rough, unprepared runways and perform diverse missions—including troop and cargo transport, aerial refueling (KC-130/J), search and rescue (HC-130J), and even operating on snow and ice with ski-equipped variants (LC-130)—has made it indispensable. Common locations for its operation span the globe, from tactical fields in conflict zones to remote scientific outposts in Greenland and Antarctica. It is the main tactical airlifter for numerous military forces and is known for defying expectations in challenging operational environments.