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Lockheed Martin C-130J Super Hercules

1999 MODERN AIRCRAFT

The History of the Lockheed Martin C-130J Super Hercules

During the Cold War (1947-1991), the Lockheed C-130 Hercules became one of the most important aircraft in the West, with a high-wing layout and a four-engine arrangement that provided excellent STOL (short takeoff and landing) )Skill. The type entered service in the 1950s, has handled more than 2,500 examples to date, and remains one of the most reliable and popular transport systems in the world - made up of air forces large and small.

In the 1990s, Hercules was still largely rooted in 1950s technology, and major upgrades to the series were seen as the best effort to keep the series airworthy for the foreseeable future (C-130 continuous flight Over sixty years!) - especially when dealing with modern digitally controlled battlefields. The resulting C-130J "Super Hercules" are a vastly improved version of the aging C-130 series.

The first flight took place on April 5, 1996, followed by the launch of the service in 1999. Over 300 such examples have been produced to date (2017) and they operate some of the largest modern aviation services such as Australia, Canada, Egypt, France, Israel, Italy, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, UK and USA.

While the C-130J retains the same general form and function as its predecessor, it incorporates many modern systems and technologies to produce an improved final product. One of the major upgrades is the switch to four Rolls-Royce AE2100 D3 series turboprops to drive the multi-blade Dowty composite propeller blades. Inside, the cockpit features a series of digital displays and quick-handling systems.

Head-up displays (HUDs), typically seen on fighter jets, are mounted in front of each pilot's position. Automation has been enhanced where possible to reduce mission fatigue and reliance on additional crew members to perform essential tasks bringing the typical flight crew to just three, including two pilots and a dedicated loading supervisor.

The cargo area is accessible via the rear loading ramp under the rear wing and can carry up to 92 regular passengers or 64 paratroopers in combat gear. In the MEDEVAC role, up to 74 beds and 5 accompanying medical staff can be accommodated in the same room. Six cargo pallets can be transported, either in place of three Humvees, or one LAV-25 (or similar) armored fighting vehicle.

It is this versatility that has earned the Hercules family such global recognition.

Dimensions include a length of 97.8 feet, a wingspan of 132.6 feet, and a height of 38.9 feet. Curb weight is 75,560 lbs and MTOW is 164,000 lbs. Performance includes a top speed of 417 mph, a cruising speed of 400 mph, a range of up to 2,070 miles and a service ceiling of up to 40,400 feet (absolute).

The C-130J requires only 3,130 feet of runway distance to take off and has a total weight of 155,000 pounds.

Compared to the earlier C-130 transport model, the J model was faster and flew further, while also requiring a shorter runway trip. Its improved technology means better communication with existing digital communications and satellite equipment used by the modern Air Force.

The launch customer for the J model is the Royal Air Force (RAF), which has committed to 25 of these models. The series also serves U.S. Special Forces and other special mission groups of the U.S. military. Both the U.S. Air Force and the U.S.

Marine Corps apply the J model to U.S. commitments in Afghanistan and Iraq.

Variants include the basic C-130J transport aircraft, the extended C-130J-30, and the C-130J-SOF, the latter being an export-oriented product for special operations. The CC-130J is the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAAF) brand covering the C-130J-30 in service.

C-130J Frame Other famous Combat Hercules brands such as EC-130J Commando Solo III Specops variant, HC-130J Combat King II USCG Search and Rescue (SAR) model, KC-130J Antenna Tanker, Specops Model MC-130J Commando II (formerly "Combat Shadow II") and weather reconnaissance platform WC-130J. The RAF recognized the C-130J-30 as the Hercules C. Mk 4 and the C-130J as the Hercules C. Mk 5.

The LM-100J is the civilian market version of the C-130J-30. The SC-130J Sea Hercules is a C-130J-based maritime patrol aircraft.