C-130 Hercules: A History

The C-130 Hercules is the most successful military airlifter ever built, serving over sixty air forces and civilian cargo operators in a variety of roles. It entered service in 1956 with the USAF Tactical Air Command and was used in the Vietnam War, Gulf War, and humanitarian relief operations.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 320 pages
Publication date: 30 August 2022
Publisher: Pen & Sword Books Ltd

The C-130 Hercules, a remarkable military airlifter, was designed in response to a 1951 requirement and has since become the most successful military airlifter in history. Since its maiden flight on August 23, 1954, over 2,100 C-130s have been produced in over eighty different versions, serving more than sixty air forces and civilian cargo operators worldwide. With its versatile capabilities, the Hercules has performed a multitude of roles, including air-to-air refueller, gunship, airborne command post, flying hospital, and fire-fighter.

The C-130 entered service with the United States Air Force (USAF) Tactical Air Command in 1956 and played a pivotal role in the Vietnam War ten years later. During this period, the Hercules completed countless paradrops, airlifts, and evacuation operations, often under challenging conditions, including low-level flights, combat situations, and adverse weather. Its reliability and durability made it a symbol of resilience and dependability.

A generation later, the C-130 continued to excel in various roles, including airlifter, radio-countermeasures platform, gunship, and bomber. Its versatility and adaptability made it a valuable asset in the Gulf War, where it performed airlift, radio-countermeasures, psy-ops, and gunship missions.

Beyond its military applications, the C-130 has also been instrumental in humanitarian relief operations worldwide. Its large cargo capacity and long-range capabilities allow it to transport relief supplies and aid to remote areas, providing much-needed support to disaster victims.

The success story of the C-130 Hercules is far from over. In his book, Martin W. Bowman delves into the full history of this remarkable aircraft, providing firsthand insights and anecdotes from his experiences as a pilot and engineer. The book covers the development, operational history, and technological advancements of the C-130, highlighting its enduring contributions to military and humanitarian efforts.

The C-130 Hercules has truly proven to be a legend in aviation, with its incredible versatility, reliability, and durability making it a cornerstone of military and humanitarian operations around the world. Its success story is a testament to the dedication and expertise of the teams that designed, built, and operated this remarkable aircraft.

Dimension: 246 x 172 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781399074858