C-130E

Designed in 1951 for the U.S. Air Force's Tactical Air Command, the C-130 Hercules set a new pattern for military transportation aircraft. Unlike earlier types that usually had piston engines, a tailwheel landing wheel, and side doors, it used turboprops for improved performance, a high wing that preserved cargo space and provided excellent short takeoff and landing capability, and sturdy tricycle landing gear that enabled operation from unpaved airstrips. The C-130E was an extended-range development of the C-130B with two underwing fuel tanks and greater range. Its primary mission was rapid tactical airlift and airdrop of cargo and troops. C-130s saw extensive use in the Vietnam War delivering cargo to forward bases by methods including the low-altitude parachute-extraction system, container delivery system, ground parachute extraction system, and ground radar aerial delivery system. Built by Lockheed as a tactical cargo transport, the aircraft was powered by four 4,350-horsepower Allison T56-A-15 turboprop engines, had a maximum speed of 366 miles per hour, a range of 2,360 miles with maximum payload, a service ceiling of 33,000 feet, a maximum takeoff weight of 155,000 pounds, and a crew of pilot, co-pilot, navigator, flight engineer, and loadmaster. Its payload could be 45,000 pounds of cargo, 92 ground troops, 64 fully equipped paratroops, or 74 litter patients. The Hercules was the longest continuously produced military aircraft, and the C-130J Super Hercules was the latest model flown today. The spacious high-set cockpit offered superb visibility and was a major improvement over earlier transport flight decks, while the C-130E also had strengthened undercarriage with larger, low-pressure tires developed through extensive rough-field trials. In combat in Vietnam, C-130s proved their worth, often operating from small airstrips.

Dover, Delaware · United States