C-130 Aircraft

Manufacturer: Lockheed Martin
Category: Bombers & Strategic Aircraft
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Maximum Speed 374 mph (602 km/h)
Range 2,360 miles (3,800 km)
Payload Capacity 42,000 lb (19,000 kg)
Crew 5–6

Full Specifications

1. General Information

Name	C-130 Hercules
Manufacturer	Lockheed Martin
Country of Origin	United States
Introduction / In Service Since	1956
Status	Active
Category	Tactical Transport
Crew	5–6
Unit Cost	$70–105 million

2. Dimensions & Structure

Length	97 ft 9 in (29.8 m)
Wingspan	132 ft 7 in (40.4 m)
Height	38 ft 3 in (11.6 m)
Wing Area	1,745 sq ft (162 m²)
Empty Weight	75,800 lb (34,400 kg)
Maximum Takeoff Weight (MTOW)	155,000 lb (70,300 kg)

3. Performance

Maximum Speed	374 mph (602 km/h)
Range	2,360 miles (3,800 km)
Combat Radius	1,300 miles (2,090 km)
Service Ceiling	33,000 ft (10,060 m)
Rate of Climb	1,830 ft/min (9.3 m/s)

4. Powerplant

Engine Type	4 × Rolls-Royce AE 2100D3 turboprops
Thrust (per engine)	4,637 shp (3,460 kW)
Total Thrust	18,548 shp (13,840 kW)

5. Payload & Armament

Internal Payload Capacity	42,000 lb (19,000 kg)
Weapons Bay	Optional gunship variants (AC-130)
Compatible Weapons	105 mm howitzers, precision-guided munitions (AC-130)
Hardpoints	8–10 on gunship variants

6. Avionics & Systems

Radar System	AN/APN-241 or modern AESA upgrade
Navigation	GPS / INS
Electronic Warfare (EW)	Defensive countermeasure suite
Stealth Features	None

7. Operational History

Primary Operator	United States Air Force
Conflict Usage	Vietnam, Gulf War, Iraq, Afghanistan
Notable Missions	Humanitarian relief, special operations, aerial refueling

8. Additional Information

Variants	C-130J Super Hercules, AC-130 gunship, KC-130 tanker
Successor / Future Replacement	Future C-130 upgrades, Next-Gen airlift
Notable Features	STOL, multi-role, rugged
Estimated Operational Life	60+ years (with upgrades)

Our Rating

The overall rating is based on review by our experts

6.2

Stealth Capability 5 / 10
Payload Capacity 8 / 10
Range & Endurance 6 / 10
Electronic Warfare 6 / 10
Maintenance Efficiency 6 / 10

PROS

Exceptional short takeoff and landing capabilities
High payload capacity for cargo and troops
Proven reliability in combat and austere environments
Wide range of mission variants available
Long operational lifespan with ongoing upgrades

CONS

Limited speed compared to jet transports
Older variants lack modern avionics
Vulnerable to advanced air defenses in contested zones
Large radar signature, not stealthy
Maintenance-intensive in high-tempo operations

C-130 Hercules Tactical Transport Aircraft

The C-130 Hercules is one of the most versatile military transport aircraft in history. Designed for tactical airlift missions, it has served global air forces for more than seven decades, delivering troops, vehicles, and supplies into remote and austere environments. Its rugged design and adaptability make it a cornerstone of modern military logistics, humanitarian aid, and special operations missions.

Manufacturer

The C-130 Hercules is manufactured by Lockheed Martin in the United States. First introduced in the 1950s, the aircraft has been continuously upgraded, with multiple variants designed for cargo transport, aerial refueling, airborne assault, and electronic warfare support.

Speed and Range

The C-130 Hercules has a maximum speed of around 374 miles per hour (602 km/h) and a combat range of approximately 2,360 miles (3,800 km) without refueling. Its short takeoff and landing (STOL) capabilities allow operations from unprepared runways, making it ideal for forward deployment and tactical missions.

Cost / Price

The unit cost of a modern C-130J Super Hercules ranges from $70 million to $105 million, depending on configuration and mission systems. Its long service life and reliability make it a cost-effective solution for air mobility and global operations.

The aircraft supports a crew of five to six personnel and can carry up to 42,000 pounds (19,000 kg) of cargo internally. Over its operational history, the C-130 has participated in nearly every major U.S. military conflict, as well as countless humanitarian missions, demonstrating unmatched adaptability and endurance.

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