C-130 Hercules flies past supply bundles descending beneath white parachutes, with the moon visible below.

photo by Master Sgt. Jeffrey Allen, via DVIDS

Entered service 1956

C-130 Hercules

The C-130 Hercules carries people, equipment and supplies into places where short runways and rough ground make getting there part of the mission.

The Inside Story

The C-130 Hercules was built to move troops and cargo between operating bases and forward airfields, including short, unpaved landing strips. Its rear loading ramp lets crews load vehicles and supplies, while airdrops deliver people and equipment when landing is not an option. Since entering service in 1956, the Hercules family has expanded from tactical transport into rescue, aerial refueling, special operations and other missions, carrying the same practical design into generations of service.

Rough-Field Ready

Operates from short, unpaved strips

Delivery Options

Land cargo or deliver it by parachute

Four Engines

Turboprop power for tactical airlift

Beyond Transport

Rescue, refueling and special operations