The Lockheed C-130 Hercules is a legend in the world of military airlift. It is only the fifth aircraft (after the English Electric Canberra, Boeing B-52 Stratofortress, Tupolev Tu-95 Bear, and Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker) to reach 50 years of continuous service with its original primary customer, the U.S. Air Force in the case of the C-130. Entering Air Force service in 1956, the Hercules continues to serve as the U.S. military’s primary tactical airlifter. The versatile platform has even…
