Why is the C-130 so popular?
First, it was conceived as a rugged, versatile airlifter that could meet the transport needs of diverse users by landing almost anywhere with 20 tons of cargo. Second, the Air Force and Lockheed continuously invested in new technology to improve the plane’s performance for six straight decades.
The Super Hercules is finally available to the public. Like the legendary “legacy” C-130 Hercules series of ridiculously versatile military cargo haulers that was offered in civilian form under the L-100 designation, the C-130J Super Hercules now has a civilian variant of its own”the LM-100J.
Why is the C-130 called Hercules?
While Griffin was deemed the first choice for the famous C-130, corporate management had other plans. They decided on “Hercules,” in relation to the airlifters many duties and Air Force involvement, and in keeping with the Lockheed tradition in naming aircraft after celestial bodies (Hercules is a constellation).
To date, the Air Force has taken delivery of 121 C-130J aircraft from Lockheed-Martin Aeronautics Company. Active-duty locations for the C-130 and its variations are Dyess Air Force Base, Texas; Little Rock AFB, Arkansas; Ramstein Air Base, Germany; and Yokota AB, Japan.
Was the C-130 used in Vietnam?
They were used in Vietnam from 1962-1970. Beginning in 1965, the C-130 Hercules with its four turbo-prop engines, superior 15-ton payload, and its ability to rapidly offload palletized cargo dominated airlift operations in Vietnam. As ground combat increased, so did airlift requirements.
Is there a toilet on a c130?
The C-130 Hercules has a urinal and toilet tucked back in the cargo area of the plane, with a curtain airmen can close around them.
What is ac130 aircraft?
The Lockheed AC-130 gunship is a heavily armed, long-endurance, ground-attack variant of the C-130 Hercules transport, fixed-wing aircraft. It carries a wide array of ground attack weapons that are integrated with sophisticated sensors, navigation, and fire-control systems.
Are C 130s safe?
The C-130 Hercules: Transport workhorse generally safe, according to USAF. MANILA, Philippines”The C-130 Hercules plane of the Philippine Air Force (PAF) had been used by the government to help in health missions during the pandemic.
Why do C-130 used propellers?
Propellers are good for providing lot of thrust at lower speeds and at lower altitudes ” and especially for taking off with a heavy load, which involves starting with no speed at all and no altitude at all, the payload, *and* lots of fuel. The C-130 is all about carrying heavy loads, not about going fast.
Can AC-130 carry a tank?
It is capable of carrying around 93 combat troops along with tanks and other types of equipment. The J model can carry more and fly higher and faster. The C-130J Hercules has satisfied all operations and roles in situations with both peace war. The C-130J Hercules can carry or transport tanks.
Who fires the guns on an AC-130?
Today, AC-130 weapons fire and targeting is done primarily at the hand of the Combat Systems Officer sitting in the back of the aircraft at a control station that feeds them critical data from the aircraft’s sensors and weapons.
What plane replaced the Hercules?
The Atlas was always earmarked to replace the Hercules and although its tactical capability is likely to have expanded dramatically by 2022, the C-130J clearly had an important tactical role to play until the A400M was fully established.
Has a c130 ever landed on an aircraft carrier?
The test revealed that the C-130 could lift 25,000 pounds (12.5 tons) of cargo and transport it 2,500 miles and land safely on the carrier, according to the video below. Still, the Navy considered it too risky and defaulted to the smaller COD. Flatley received the Distinguished Flying Cross for his effort.
What is the biggest military plane?
The An-124 Ruslan, operated by the Russian Air Force, is the largest military aircraft in the world. For almost 30 years after its introduction in 1984, the An-124 (NATO reporting name: Condor) was the largest and heaviest cargo aircraft in the world, besides the single An-225. The 747-8F overtook the An-124 in 2011.
How long is C-130 pilot training?
Further training in the C-130 will be held at Little Rock AFB, Arkansas or Dobbins ARB, Georgia and lasts approximately six months. Additional training, such as Water and Combat survival, will be required prior to full qualification as a pilot or navigator. 105.
How far can a C-130 fly?
With a length of 97 feet and wingspan of 132 feet, the C-130J can carry up to 46,631 pounds. In troop transport configuration, it can accommodate 92 combat troops or 64 paratroopers. The aircraft can fly up to 2,729 miles and has a maximum speed of 417 miles per hour.
Why is it called Spooky gunship?
During this start-up period, the new unit lost only two planes, one to ground fire on December 17 while en route to Phan Rang from Tan Son Nhut and the other on Christmas Eve in Laos. Shortly after the 4th ACS began deploying its aircraft, it christened the gunships with the lasting name ‘Spooky.
How many b52 were shot down in Vietnam?
The eight-engine bomber was brought down by a North Vietnamese surface-to-air missile near Vinh on the day when B-52s flew their heaviest raids of the war over North Vietnam. The Communistss claimed 19 B-52s shot down to date.
Why are gunships called Spooky?
The AC-47 Spooky was a repurposed cargo plane with modifications that became the first fixed-wing gunship used in Southeast Asia. The AC-47 Spooky got its nickname, Puff, The Magic Dragon, from its glowing red emissions that lit up the sky while the plane was in use.
Where are the C-17 stationed?
The Air Force Reserve Command operates C-17s at March Air Reserve Base, California, and Wright Patterson AFB, Ohio.
Do military aircraft have toilets?
Yes the C-141, C-5 and C-17 have a bathroom similar to what you see on an airliner. The C-130 has a urinal and honey pot on the ramp along with a modestly curtain.
Is there bathrooms on military planes?
The toilets on some C-130s are not very private; basically a porta potty behind a screen. … If configured for DVs, it’ll have a decent private toilet. Very reliable and almost never breaks. Cold Plane most of the time and noisy (they will issue ear plugs).
How much is an AC 130 worth?
According to the U.S. military’s website, the AC-130 costs between $130 to $190 million a piece. The AC-130U, the Spooky, is on the high end at $190 million, while the Spectre costs less. To put those numbers into perspective, the U.S. military’s new fighter jet, the F-35, costs about $95 million per unit.
What can a C-130 carry?
As a tactical transport, the Hercules can carry 92 ground troops or 64 paratroopers and equipment. It can also be configured as a medical evacuation platform capable of carrying 74 patients on stretchers and their attendants. Length: 97 feet 9 inches (29.3 meters).
How many AC 130 does the US have?
The AC-130J Ghostrider completed its maiden test flight in January 2014. The USAF is procuring a total of 37 AC-130J Ghostrider aircraft.
Why is the C-130 not a jet?
However, the C-130 actually is powered by jet engines. They are a class of jet engines called turboprops in which a small jet engine is used to turn a large propeller. … It is a common misconception that if a plane has propellers, then it cannot be a “jet.” However, this is not so.
How many blades does a C-130 engine have?
Regular C-130 “legacy” planes use four-blade propellers. With eight blades, the NP 2000 props are designed to perform with more power and efficiency.
How many propellers does a C-130 have?
Four Hamilton Standard electro-hydromatic, constant- speed, full feathering, reversible-pitch propellers are installed on the C-130 aircraft.
How much fuel does a C-130 burn per hour?
How much fuel does an AC 130 burn hourly? ” Quora. A standard C-130 H uses about 5,000 pounds per hour or 740 gallons. That figure assumes normal flight conditions, that is to say, mostly cruse at about 25,000 feet.
How many jet fighters does Philippines have?
What is the most powerful gunship?
The AC-130 is the world’s biggest flying artillery gunship, nicknamed “Hell in the Sky.” With three side-firing weapons”a 25mm gatling gun, a 40mm Bofors cannon, and a 105mm howitzer”it’s easy to see why it got its name.
How far can an AC-130 shoot?
The aircraft is powered by four turboprop engines and has a flight speed of 300 mph and a flight range of 1,300 miles, depending on weight. The AC-130A was equipped with down facing Gatling guns affixed to the left side of the aircraft with an analog fire control system.
How many rounds does an AC-130 carry?
The AC-130J will carry 80 105mm rounds, and can fire more than 10 rounds a minute, Beers said, and the plane’s crew can also use the controls to aim it at targets.
Can an a400 carry a tank?
Can an A400M carry a tank? The A400M has a maximum payload capacity of 37 t. It can carry two 8×8 armored vehicles. This military transport can take-off and land on soft semi-prepared airfields and requires relatively short runways.
What is the largest plane in the RAF?
Boeing C-17A Globemaster III (Globemaster C-17): Wingspan: 169ft 9in (51.74m) Wing area: 3,800sqft (353.03m2) Maximum take-off weight: 585,000lb (265,350kg)
Can a Hercules takeoff from an aircraft carrier?
An air-to-air left front view of an AC-130 Hercules aircraft during target practice. The Hercules could fly 2,500 miles with a 25,000 lb payload and successfully land. … After a short training period, he was able to achieve the incredible feat of successfully landing and taking off from the aircraft carrier.