The first "Hercules", a C-130A, was delivered to the US Air Force as early as December 1956. The C-130A had four Allisin T56-A-7 turbo-prop engines. The first "Hercules" aircraft the RNoAF bought in 1969 was designated C-130H. Compared to the original C-130A the C-130H has two large external fuel tanks each capable of storing 1290 gallons (almost 5000 liters). Together with new powerful engines, the Allison T-56-A-15, this has given the C-130H both increased range and loading capacity.

There's a new "Hercules" in production now, designated the C-130J. This aircraft has new engines and propellers, improved avionics and navigation equipment. Max speed is increased by 21 %, cruise-speed, cruise-height and range is increased by as much as 40 % and it only takes 14 minutes to reach an altitude of 28000 feet after take-off.

Specifications

Engine: Four Allison T56-A-15 Turboprop with 4591 prop shaft horsepower pr engine
Length: 29,3 m (96,13 feet)
Height: 11,4 m (37,4 feet)
Wingspan: 39,7 m (130,25 feet)
Cargo bay: Length: 12,31 m (40,4 ft); Width: 3,12 m (10,2 ft), Height: 2,74 m (8,99 ft)
Speed: 366 mph/318 ktas (600 km/h) Mach 0,49
Service ceiling: 33000 ft (10000 m) with 17,716 kg of payload
Max. take-off weight: 155000 pound (69750 kg)
Max. allowed payload weight: 43550 pound (20434 kg) 6 pallets, 92 fully equipped soldiers, 64 paratroopers or a combination of these within the limits of max. allowed payload weight
Default payload: 35220 pound (19754 kg)
Range: With default payload: 1838 miles (2958 km)
Armaments: None, but the aircraft has chaff and flares for protection
Crew: Five (two pilots, one machinist, one navigator and one cargo master) + medical personnel when needed