Lockheed C-130 Hercules

1947

Safety devices had to be incorporated to reduce the excessive drag from a windmilling propeller. ===Design phase=== The Hercules resembled a larger four-engine version of the C-123 Provider with a similar wing and cargo ramp layout that evolved from the Chase XCG-20 Avitruc, which in turn, was first designed and flown as a cargo glider in 1947.

1950

After an extensive review, US Forest Service and The Bureau of Land Management declined to renew the leases on nine C-130A over concerns about the age of the aircraft, which had been in service since the 1950s, and their ability to handle the forces generated by aerial firefighting. More recently, an updated Retardant Aerial Delivery System known as RADS XL was developed by Coulson Aviation USA.

1951

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, and Airlifts Inc. The new transport would have a capacity of 92 passengers, 72 combat troops or 64 paratroopers in a cargo compartment that was approximately long, high, and wide.

Hall Hibbard, Lockheed vice president and chief engineer, saw the proposal and directed it to Kelly Johnson, who did not care for the low-speed, unarmed aircraft, and remarked, "If you sign that letter, you will destroy the Lockheed Company." Both Hibbard and Johnson signed the proposal and the company won the contract for the now-designated Model 82 on 2 July 1951. The first flight of the YC-130 prototype was made on 23 August 1954 from the Lockheed plant in Burbank, California.

1954

Hall Hibbard, Lockheed vice president and chief engineer, saw the proposal and directed it to Kelly Johnson, who did not care for the low-speed, unarmed aircraft, and remarked, "If you sign that letter, you will destroy the Lockheed Company." Both Hibbard and Johnson signed the proposal and the company won the contract for the now-designated Model 82 on 2 July 1951. The first flight of the YC-130 prototype was made on 23 August 1954 from the Lockheed plant in Burbank, California.

Lockheed Hercules Production List 1954–2011.

Navy fact file and C-130 history page on Navy.mil C-130 page on Globalsecurity.org C-130hercules.net C-130 page on amcmuseum.org "Herculean Transport" a 1954 Flight article Lockheed C-130 Hercules Four-engined tractor aircraft High-wing aircraft Four-engined turboprop aircraft Aircraft first flown in 1954

1956

in 1956, followed by Australia and many other nations.

Deliveries began in December 1956, continuing until the introduction of the C-130B model in 1959.

Portugal is doing the same. ==Operational history== ===Military=== 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.

Air Force in December 1956. In 1958, a U.S.

1958

Sweden and Spain fly the TP-84T version of the C-130E fitted for aerial refueling capability. The KC-130 tankers, originally C-130F procured for the US Marine Corps (USMC) in 1958 (under the designation GV-1) are equipped with a removable 3,600 US gal (13,626 L) stainless steel fuel tank carried inside the cargo compartment.

An improved C-130H was introduced in 1974, with Australia purchasing 12 of type in 1978 to replace the original 12 C-130A models, which had first entered Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) service in 1958.

Air Force in December 1956. In 1958, a U.S.

reconnaissance C-130A-II of the 7406th Support Squadron was shot down over Armenia by four Soviet MiG-17s along the Turkish-Armenian border during a routine mission. Australia became the first non-American force to operate the C-130A Hercules with 12 examples being delivered from late 1958.

57-0453 was operated from 1958 to 1991, last duty with 155th TAS, 164th TAG, Tennessee Air National Guard, Memphis International Airport/ANGB, Tennessee, 1976–1991, named "Nite Train to Memphis"; to AMARC in December 1991, then sent to Texas for modification into replica of C-130A-II Dreamboat aircraft, AF Ser.

56-0528, shot down by Soviet fighters in Soviet airspace near Yerevan, Armenia on 2 September 1958, while on ELINT mission with loss of all crew, displayed in National Vigilance Park, National Security Agency grounds, Fort George Meade, Maryland. C-130B, AF Ser.

1959

Deliveries began in December 1956, continuing until the introduction of the C-130B model in 1959.

1960

The Royal Canadian Air Force became another early user with the delivery of four B-models (Canadian designation C-130 Mk I) in October / November 1960. In 1963, a Hercules achieved and still holds the record for the largest and heaviest aircraft to land on an aircraft carrier.

Although the stated purpose of COMMANDO VAULT was to clear LZs, they were also used on enemy base camps and other targets. During the late 1960s, the U.S.

57-0526 was the second B model manufactured, initially delivered as JC-130B; assigned to 6515th Organizational Maintenance Squadron for flight testing at Edwards AFB, California on 29 November 1960; turned over to 6593rd Test Squadron's Operating Location No.

1962

Radio call numbers on the tail of these aircraft were regularly changed so as to confuse observers and disguise their true mission. The extended-range C-130E model entered service in 1962 after it was developed as an interim long-range transport for the Military Air Transport Service.

1963

The Royal Canadian Air Force became another early user with the delivery of four B-models (Canadian designation C-130 Mk I) in October / November 1960. In 1963, a Hercules achieved and still holds the record for the largest and heaviest aircraft to land on an aircraft carrier.

Pitsenbarger Award for Heroism from the Air Force Sergeants Association. KC-130F, USN/USMC BuNo 149798 used in tests in October–November 1963 by the U.S.

1964

Initial deliveries began in 1964 (to the RNZAF), remaining in production until 1996.

The Hercules used in the test, most recently in service with Marine Aerial Refueler Squadron 352 (VMGR-352) until 2005, is now part of the collection of the National Museum of Naval Aviation at NAS Pensacola, Florida. In 1964, C-130 crews from the 6315th Operations Group at Naha Air Base, Okinawa commenced forward air control (FAC; "Flare") missions over the Ho Chi Minh Trail in Laos supporting USAF strike aircraft.

These two aircraft were delivered to Air America in 1964.

64-0533 - Taken in December 1964 by 314th Troop Carrier Wing, Sewart AFB, TN.

1965

In April 1965 the mission was expanded to North Vietnam where C-130 crews led formations of Martin B-57 Canberra bombers on night reconnaissance/strike missions against communist supply routes leading to South Vietnam.

The headline-making mission resulted in the first award of the prestigious MacKay Trophy to C-130 crews. In the Indo-Pakistani War of 1965, the No.

1966

Australia took delivery of 12 C130E Hercules during 1966–67 to supplement the 12 C-130A models already in service with the RAAF.

In early 1966 Project Blind Bat/Lamplighter was established at Ubon Royal Thai Air Force Base, Thailand.

Air Force sometime between 1966 and 1970, they were assigned the serial numbers of C-130s that had been destroyed in accidents.

Retired to the National Museum of Naval Aviation, NAS Pensacola, Florida in May 2003. C-130G, USN/USMC BuNo 151891; modified to EC-130G, 1966, then testbed for EC-130Q TACAMO in 1981, then changed to TC-130G and used by Fleet Air Reconnaissance Squadron Three (VQ-3) for flight proficiency (bounce bird).

1967

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. ===United States=== GC-130A, AF Ser.

1 at Edwards AFB and spent next seven years supporting Corona Program; "J" status and prefix removed from aircraft in October 1967; transferred to 6593rd Test Squadron at Hickam AFB, Hawaii and modified for mid-air retrieval of satellites; acquired by 6514th Test Squadron at Hill AFB, Utah in Jan.

1968

Some C-130s flew with anti-aircraft guns fitted on their ramp and apparently shot down some 17 aircraft and damaging 16 others. In October 1968, a C-130Bs from the 463rd Tactical Airlift Wing dropped a pair of M-121 10,000 lb (4,500 kg) bombs that had been developed for the massive Convair B-36 Peacemaker bomber but had never been used.

1969

Air Force resurrected the huge weapons as a means of clearing landing zones for helicopters and in early 1969 the 463rd commenced Commando Vault missions.

Air Force C-130E on 17 May 1969.

The Chinese conducted two nuclear tests, on 22 September 1969 and 29 September 1969, during the operating life of the sensor pallets.

1970

The L-100 also has two stretched versions. ===Next generation=== In the 1970s, Lockheed proposed a C-130 variant with turbofan engines rather than turboprops, but the U.S.

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.

Another mission to the area was planned as Operation Golden Whip, but was called off in 1970.

Air Force sometime between 1966 and 1970, they were assigned the serial numbers of C-130s that had been destroyed in accidents.

Air Force Reserve reports. ===Aerial firefighting=== In the early 1970s Congress created the Modular Airborne FireFighting System (MAFFS) which is a joint operation between The U.S.

1972

56-0518 used by the 314 TCW, 315 AD, 41 ATS, 328 TAS; to Republic of Vietnam Air Force 435 Transport Squadron, November 1972; holds the C-130 record for taking off with the most personnel on board, during evacuation of SVN, 29 April 1975, with 452.

1973

55-037 used by the 773 TCS, 483 TCW, 315 AD, 374 TCW, 815 TAS, 35 TAS, 109 TAS, belly-landed at Duluth, Minnesota, April 1973, repaired; 167 TAS, 180 TAS, to Chanute Technical Training Center as GC-130A, May 1984; now displayed at Museum of Missouri Military History, Missouri National Guard Ike Skelton Training Center, Jefferson City, Missouri.

1974

An improved C-130H was introduced in 1974, with Australia purchasing 12 of type in 1978 to replace the original 12 C-130A models, which had first entered Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) service in 1958.

The airplane is relocated to Air Force Museum in Yogyakarta in 2017. ===Norway=== C-130H Royal Norwegian Air Force 953 was retired 10 June 2007 and moved to the Air Force museum at Oslo Gardermoen in May 2008. ===Saudi Arabia=== C-130H RSAF 460 was operated by 4 Squadron Royal Saudi Air Force, December 1974 until January 1987.

1975

56-0518 used by the 314 TCW, 315 AD, 41 ATS, 328 TAS; to Republic of Vietnam Air Force 435 Transport Squadron, November 1972; holds the C-130 record for taking off with the most personnel on board, during evacuation of SVN, 29 April 1975, with 452.

57-0490 used by the 61st TCS, 17th TCS, 139th TAS with skis, July 1975 – April 1983; to MASDC, 1984–1985, GC-130D ground trainer, Chanute AFB, Illinois, 1986–1990; When Chanute AFB closed in September 1993, it moved to the Octave Chanute Aerospace Museum (former Chanute AFB, Rantoul, Illinois.

1976

All reverted to standard C-130B cargo aircraft after their replacement in the reconnaissance role by other aircraft. The C-130 was also used in the 1976 Entebbe raid in which Israeli commando forces carried a surprise operation to rescue 103 passengers of an airliner hijacked by Palestinian and German terrorists at Entebbe Airport, Uganda.

57-0453 was operated from 1958 to 1991, last duty with 155th TAS, 164th TAG, Tennessee Air National Guard, Memphis International Airport/ANGB, Tennessee, 1976–1991, named "Nite Train to Memphis"; to AMARC in December 1991, then sent to Texas for modification into replica of C-130A-II Dreamboat aircraft, AF Ser.

1978

An improved C-130H was introduced in 1974, with Australia purchasing 12 of type in 1978 to replace the original 12 C-130A models, which had first entered Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) service in 1958.

1980

In the 1980s, the C-130 was intended to be replaced by the Advanced Medium STOL Transport project.

The roll-on/roll-off systems allow existing aircraft to be temporarily converted into a 3,000-gallon airtanker for fighting wildfires when demand exceeds the supply of privately contracted and publicly available airtankers. In the late 1980s, 22 retired USAF C-130As were removed from storage and transferred to the U.S.

hostages from Iran in 1980.

74-1686 used by the 463rd TAW; one of three C-130H airframes modified to YMC-130H for aborted rescue attempt of Iranian hostages, Operation Credible Sport, with rocket packages blistered onto fuselage in 1980, but these were removed after mission was canceled.

1981

Retired to the National Museum of Naval Aviation, NAS Pensacola, Florida in May 2003. C-130G, USN/USMC BuNo 151891; modified to EC-130G, 1966, then testbed for EC-130Q TACAMO in 1981, then changed to TC-130G and used by Fleet Air Reconnaissance Squadron Three (VQ-3) for flight proficiency (bounce bird).

1983

57-0490 used by the 61st TCS, 17th TCS, 139th TAS with skis, July 1975 – April 1983; to MASDC, 1984–1985, GC-130D ground trainer, Chanute AFB, Illinois, 1986–1990; When Chanute AFB closed in September 1993, it moved to the Octave Chanute Aerospace Museum (former Chanute AFB, Rantoul, Illinois.

1984

The HTTB first flew on 19 June 1984, with civil registration of N130X.

55-037 used by the 773 TCS, 483 TCW, 315 AD, 374 TCW, 815 TAS, 35 TAS, 109 TAS, belly-landed at Duluth, Minnesota, April 1973, repaired; 167 TAS, 180 TAS, to Chanute Technical Training Center as GC-130A, May 1984; now displayed at Museum of Missouri Military History, Missouri National Guard Ike Skelton Training Center, Jefferson City, Missouri.

57-0490 used by the 61st TCS, 17th TCS, 139th TAS with skis, July 1975 – April 1983; to MASDC, 1984–1985, GC-130D ground trainer, Chanute AFB, Illinois, 1986–1990; When Chanute AFB closed in September 1993, it moved to the Octave Chanute Aerospace Museum (former Chanute AFB, Rantoul, Illinois.

1986

57-0490 used by the 61st TCS, 17th TCS, 139th TAS with skis, July 1975 – April 1983; to MASDC, 1984–1985, GC-130D ground trainer, Chanute AFB, Illinois, 1986–1990; When Chanute AFB closed in September 1993, it moved to the Octave Chanute Aerospace Museum (former Chanute AFB, Rantoul, Illinois.

1987

The airplane is relocated to Air Force Museum in Yogyakarta in 2017. ===Norway=== C-130H Royal Norwegian Air Force 953 was retired 10 June 2007 and moved to the Air Force museum at Oslo Gardermoen in May 2008. ===Saudi Arabia=== C-130H RSAF 460 was operated by 4 Squadron Royal Saudi Air Force, December 1974 until January 1987.

1988

Subsequent duty with the 4950th Test Wing, then donated to the Museum of Aviation at Robins AFB, Georgia, in March 1988. ==Specifications (C-130H)== ==See also== ==References== ===Notes=== ===Citations=== ===Bibliography=== Borman, Martin W.

1989

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), and helicopters (H-3). A total of 70 aircraft were lost by the U.S.

It was damaged in a fire at Jeddah in December 1989.

Returned to USAF, 185 TAS, 105 TAS; Flown to Little Rock AFB on 28 June 1989.

It transported captured Panamanian dictator Manuel Noriega in 1989 during Operation Just Cause, and participated in Operation Eagle Claw, the unsuccessful attempt to rescue U.S.

1990

A factor which contributed to the accident was the flight crew's lack of engineering flight test training. In the 1990s, the improved C-130J Super Hercules was developed by Lockheed (later Lockheed Martin).

1991

The British also used RAF C-130s to support their logistical operations. During the Gulf War of 1991 (Operation Desert Storm), the C-130 Hercules was used operationally by the U.S.

57-0453 was operated from 1958 to 1991, last duty with 155th TAS, 164th TAG, Tennessee Air National Guard, Memphis International Airport/ANGB, Tennessee, 1976–1991, named "Nite Train to Memphis"; to AMARC in December 1991, then sent to Texas for modification into replica of C-130A-II Dreamboat aircraft, AF Ser.

In early 1991 it was transferred to AMMARG Davis-Monthan AFB Tucson, AZ.

In May of 1991 it was assigned as the U.S.

Navy's Blue Angels USMC support aircraft, serving as "Fat Albert Airlines" from 1991 to 2002.

1992

Coast Guard employs the HC-130H for long-range search and rescue, drug interdiction, illegal migrant patrols, homeland security, and logistics. C-130H models produced from 1992 to 1996 were designated as C-130H3 by the USAF.

The GBU-43/B MOAB is a successor to the BLU-82 and can perform the same function, as well as perform strike functions against hardened targets in a low air threat environment. Since 1992, two successive C-130 aircraft named Fat Albert have served as the support aircraft for the U.S.

1993

After demonstrating many new technologies, some of which were applied to the C-130J, the HTTB was lost in a fatal accident on 3 February 1993, at Dobbins Air Reserve Base, in Marietta, Georgia.

Restored for ground training by August 1993.

57-0490 used by the 61st TCS, 17th TCS, 139th TAS with skis, July 1975 – April 1983; to MASDC, 1984–1985, GC-130D ground trainer, Chanute AFB, Illinois, 1986–1990; When Chanute AFB closed in September 1993, it moved to the Octave Chanute Aerospace Museum (former Chanute AFB, Rantoul, Illinois.

1994

In July 1994, it moved to the Empire State Air Museum, Schenectady County Airport, New York, until placed on the gate at Stratton Air National Guard Base in October 1994. NC-130B, AF Ser.

1987 and used as electronic testbed and cargo transport; aircraft retired January 1994 with 11,000+ flight hours and moved to Hill Aerospace Museum at Hill AFB by January 1994. C-130E, AF Ser.

1996

Initial deliveries began in 1964 (to the RNZAF), remaining in production until 1996.

Coast Guard employs the HC-130H for long-range search and rescue, drug interdiction, illegal migrant patrols, homeland security, and logistics. C-130H models produced from 1992 to 1996 were designated as C-130H3 by the USAF.

1997

From 22 to 24 October 1997, two AC-130U gunships flew 36 hours nonstop from Hurlburt Field, Florida to Taegu (Daegu), South Korea, being refueled seven times by KC-135 tanker aircraft.

New York: Barnes & Noble Books, 1997.

1998

69-6579 operated by the 61st TAS, 314th TAW, 50th AS, 61st AS; at Dyess AFB as maintenance trainer as GC-130E, March 1998; to Dyess AFB Linear Air Park, January 2004. MC-130E Combat Talon I, AF Ser.

1999

Marlborough, UK: Crowood Press, 1999.

Atglen, Pennsylvania: Schiffer Publishing, 1999.

2000

Externally similar to the classic Hercules in general appearance, the J model has new turboprop engines, six-bladed propellers, digital avionics, and other new systems. ===Upgrades and changes=== In 2000, Boeing was awarded a contract to develop an Avionics Modernization Program kit for the C-130.

The current cost per aircraft is although Boeing expects that this price will drop to US$7 million for the 69th aircraft. In the 2000s, Lockheed Martin and the U.S.

2001

This aircraft, named Snoopy, was withdrawn in 2001 and was then modified by Marshall of Cambridge Aerospace as flight-testbed for the A400M turbine engine, the TP400.

2002

Three C-130Ks (Hercules C Mk.1P) were upgraded and sold to the Austrian Air Force in 2002. ===Enhanced models=== The MC-130E Combat Talon was developed for the USAF during the Vietnam War to support special operations missions in Southeast Asia, and led to both the MC-130H Combat Talon II as well as a family of other special missions aircraft.

One of these C-130s crashed in June 2002 while operating the Retardant Aerial Delivery System (RADS) near Walker, CA.

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. ===United States=== GC-130A, AF Ser.

Navy's Blue Angels USMC support aircraft, serving as "Fat Albert Airlines" from 1991 to 2002.

Retired to the National Museum of Naval Aviation at NAS Pensacola, Florida in November 2002 where it remains on outside static display reflecting the BLUES colors. C-130E, AF Ser.

69-6580 operated by the 61st TAS, 314th TAW, 317th TAW, 314th TAW, 317th TAW, 40th AS, 41st AS, 43rd AW, retired after center wing cracks were detected in April 2002; to the Air Mobility Command Museum, Dover AFB, Delaware on 2 February 2004. C-130E, AF Ser.

Dulles, Virginia: Brassey's Inc., 2002.

The International Directory of Military Aircraft, 2002/03.

Fyshwick, ACT, Australia: Aerospace Publications Pty Ltd, 2002.

2003

Retired to the National Museum of Naval Aviation, NAS Pensacola, Florida in May 2003. C-130G, USN/USMC BuNo 151891; modified to EC-130G, 1966, then testbed for EC-130Q TACAMO in 1981, then changed to TC-130G and used by Fleet Air Reconnaissance Squadron Three (VQ-3) for flight proficiency (bounce bird).

2004

After the initial invasion, C-130 operators as part of the Multinational force in Iraq used their C-130s to support their forces in Iraq. Since 2004, the Pakistan Air Force has employed C-130s in the War in North-West Pakistan.

Transferred to Elmendorf AFB for display, May 2004.

69-6579 operated by the 61st TAS, 314th TAW, 50th AS, 61st AS; at Dyess AFB as maintenance trainer as GC-130E, March 1998; to Dyess AFB Linear Air Park, January 2004. MC-130E Combat Talon I, AF Ser.

69-6580 operated by the 61st TAS, 314th TAW, 317th TAW, 314th TAW, 317th TAW, 40th AS, 41st AS, 43rd AW, retired after center wing cracks were detected in April 2002; to the Air Mobility Command Museum, Dover AFB, Delaware on 2 February 2004. C-130E, AF Ser.

London: Amber Books, 2004.

2005

The Hercules used in the test, most recently in service with Marine Aerial Refueler Squadron 352 (VMGR-352) until 2005, is now part of the collection of the National Museum of Naval Aviation at NAS Pensacola, Florida. In 1964, C-130 crews from the 6315th Operations Group at Naha Air Base, Okinawa commenced forward air control (FAC; "Flare") missions over the Ho Chi Minh Trail in Laos supporting USAF strike aircraft.

2006

70-1269 used by the 43rd AW and is on display at the Pope Air Park, Pope AFB, North Carolina as 2006. C-130H, AF Ser.

2007

In 2007, the C-130 became the fifth aircraft to mark 50 years of continuous service with its original primary customer, which for the C-130 is the United States Air Force.

The program was beset with delays and cost overruns until project restructuring in 2007.

The airplane is relocated to Air Force Museum in Yogyakarta in 2017. ===Norway=== C-130H Royal Norwegian Air Force 953 was retired 10 June 2007 and moved to the Air Force museum at Oslo Gardermoen in May 2008. ===Saudi Arabia=== C-130H RSAF 460 was operated by 4 Squadron Royal Saudi Air Force, December 1974 until January 1987.

2008

The airplane is relocated to Air Force Museum in Yogyakarta in 2017. ===Norway=== C-130H Royal Norwegian Air Force 953 was retired 10 June 2007 and moved to the Air Force museum at Oslo Gardermoen in May 2008. ===Saudi Arabia=== C-130H RSAF 460 was operated by 4 Squadron Royal Saudi Air Force, December 1974 until January 1987.

2009

Kelly Johnson flew chase in a Lockheed P2V Neptune. After the two prototypes were completed, production began in Marietta, Georgia, where over 2,300 C-130s have been built through 2009. The initial production model, the C-130A, was powered by Allison T56-A-9 turboprops with three-blade propellers and originally equipped with the blunt nose of the prototypes.

On 2 September 2009, Bloomberg news reported that the planned Avionics Modernization Program (AMP) upgrade to the older C-130s would be dropped to provide more funds for the F-35, CV-22 and airborne tanker replacement programs.

Boeing's design completed over 2,000 hours of windtunnel tests in late 2009.

The last operator in the world is the Honduran Air Force, which is still flying one of five A model Hercules (FAH 558, c/n 3042) as of October 2009.

Until 2009, it also demonstrated its rocket-assisted takeoff (RATO) capabilities; these ended due to dwindling supplies of rockets. The AC-130 also holds the record for the longest sustained flight by a C-130.

Såtenäs, Sweden: Self-published, 27th Edition March 2009.

2010

However, in June 2010, Department of Defense approved funding for the initial production of the AMP upgrade kits.

Air Force began outfitting and retrofitting C-130s with the eight-blade UTC Aerospace Systems NP2000 propellers. An engine enhancement program saving fuel and providing lower temperatures in the T56 engine has been approved, and the US Air Force expects to save $2 billion and extend the fleet life. ===Replacement=== 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 910th Airlift Wings 757th AS, DOD's only fixed Aerial Spray System certified by the EPA to disperse pesticides on DOD property spread oil dispersants onto the Deepwater Horizon oil spill in the Gulf Coast in 2010. During the 5-week mission, the YARS aircrews flew 92 sorties and sprayed approximately 30,000 acres with nearly 149,000 gallons of oil dispersant to break up the oil.

The Air Force Reserve Command announced the 910th Airlift Wing has been selected as a recipient of the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award for its outstanding achievement from 28 April 2010 through 4 June 2010. === Hurricane Harvey (2017) === C-130s temporarily based at Kelly Field conducted mosquito control aerial spray applications over areas of eastern Texas devastated by Hurricane Harvey.

59-0528 was operated by 145th Airlift Wing, North Carolina Air National Guard; placed on static display at Charlotte Air National Guard Base, North Carolina in 2010. C-130D, AF Ser.

2011

In August 2011, the AFRL released pictures of the Lockheed Speed Agile concept demonstrator.

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. ===United States=== GC-130A, AF Ser.

62-1787, on display at the National Museum of the United States Air Force, Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio, was flown to the museum on 18 August 2011.

2013

On 26 March 2013, Boeing was granted a patent for its swept-wing powered lift aircraft. In January 2014, Air Mobility Command, Air Force Materiel Command and the Air Force Research Lab were in the early stages of defining requirements for the C-X next generation airlifter program to replace both the C-130 and C-17.

2014

Development could start in 2014, and become operational by 2024.

On 26 March 2013, Boeing was granted a patent for its swept-wing powered lift aircraft. In January 2014, Air Mobility Command, Air Force Materiel Command and the Air Force Research Lab were in the early stages of defining requirements for the C-X next generation airlifter program to replace both the C-130 and C-17.

2017

Some variants had forward looking infrared (FLIR Systems Star Safire III EO/IR) sensor balls, to enable close tracking of militants. In 2017, France and Germany announced that they are to build up a joint air transport squadron at Evreux Air Base, France, comprising ten C-130J aircraft.

The airplane is relocated to Air Force Museum in Yogyakarta in 2017. ===Norway=== C-130H Royal Norwegian Air Force 953 was retired 10 June 2007 and moved to the Air Force museum at Oslo Gardermoen in May 2008. ===Saudi Arabia=== C-130H RSAF 460 was operated by 4 Squadron Royal Saudi Air Force, December 1974 until January 1987.

2020

The combined system is FAA certified. On 22 January 2020, Coulson's Tanker 134, an EC-130Q registered N134CG, crashed during aerial firefighting operations in New South Wales, Australia, killing all three crew members.

2021

Initial operational capability is expected for 2021 while full operational capability is scheduled for 2024. ===Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill=== For almost two decades, the wing's 757th Airlift Squadron and the U.S.




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