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Lockheed Martin KC-130 Hercules / Super Hercules

1962 COLD WAR FALKLANDS WAR MODERN AIRCRAFT

History of Lockheed Martin KC-130 Hercules / Super Hercules

The Lockheed KC-130 Hercules is a tanker transport aircraft based on the highly successful C-130 Hercules high-wing transport aircraft. The KC-130 is a tactically oriented cross-area range unit designed to refuel and resupply forward operating bases near frontline operations. In addition to its role in refueling and resupply transport, the KC-130 can be used for medical evacuation operations, deployment/evacuation of Allied forces and as a flying direct air support center (DASC).

The KC-130 retains all of the same flight characteristics and general performance specifications as the original C-130. The first KC-130F Hercules model came out in 1962.

The KC-130 first flew as a prototype (GV-1) in January 1960. The first variant was six KC-130Bs modified from their transport form for use as carrier tankers. 1962 saw the introduction of 46 KC-130F models - the first final and quantitative production form. 33 copies of the KC-130H appeared.

In 1976, the KC-130R was introduced, 14 former US Air Force mounts converted to USMC service. The KC-130T followed in 1983 with about 28 converted from the C-130H Hercules transport airframe.

The KC-130J "Super Hercules" arrived in April 2004 as a heavily revised and improved model - sharing only 55% of common parts with the previous airframe - with 42 examples numbered. These are based on the new variant C-130J Super Hercules.

The KC-130F and KC-130R were retired in 2006 and 2007, respectively.

Since its introduction, the KC-130 has served in the Vietnam Theater, Operation Desert Storm, and ongoing U.S. operations in Afghanistan and Iraq. As the aircraft also proved to be a favorite of foreign operators, it was also used in the Falklands War under the Argentine flag.

Other operators are Brazil, Canada, Israel, Italy, Japan, Indonesia, Kuwait, Libya, Malaysia, Morocco, Saudi Arabia and Singapore.

The current generation KC-130J has a crew of four, including two pilots, a crew chief and a loading chief. The cargo compartment can accommodate up to 92 seated passengers or 64 combat-ready airborne troops.

Instead, the aircraft can carry up to three Humvee-sized vehicles or an armored personnel carrier/IFV as needed. For the MEDEVAC role, the system can accommodate up to 74 patient dens with two appropriate medical staff.

In terms of actual cargo, the KC-130 can transport about 6 pallets with a maximum payload of 42,000 pounds.

Dimensions include 97' 9" length, 132' 7" wingspan and 38' 10" height. Empty weight is 75,560 pounds and maximum takeoff weight (MTOW) is 175,000 pounds. Power is provided by four Rolls-Royce AR2100D3 turboprop engines, each producing 4,640 horsepower.

These drive six-blade composite propeller assemblies. Performance includes a top speed of 420 mph, a cruising speed of 400 mph, a range of up to 3,260 miles and a service ceiling of 28,000 feet.

The KC-130 retains the rough/short-field handling capabilities of the Hercules series, being able to take off and land on unprepared runways with a takeoff distance of only 3,125 feet and a required operating weight of 155,000 pounds. The high-wing design provides the necessary low-altitude control and lift required for such operations. Pilots can also enjoy impressive views from the flight deck above and behind the short nose cone.

A power door at the rear of the hull facilitates loading and unloading of cargo. Four pods are mounted between the four engine units for refueling.