Lockheed Corporation
LC-130F Hercules
The LC‑130F Hercules is a ski‑equipped, four‑engine turboprop transport aircraft developed by Lockheed Corporation in the early 1960s for the United States Air Force. Based on the C‑130A airframe, the LC‑130F received modifications that allowed it to operate from snow and ice fields, a capability that proved essential for logistical support in Antarctica and the Arctic. First delivered in 1964, the fleet became the backbone of the U.S. Navy’s Antarctic Development Squadron Six (VXE‑6), delivering personnel, scientific equipment, and supplies to remote research stations such as McMurdo and South Pole. Key features include Pratt & Whitney T56‑A-9 turboprop engines, eight‑blade propellers with reversible pitch, a reinforced fuselage, and retractable ski assemblies that can be swapped for conventional wheels in minutes. The aircraft’s cargo hold offers 92,000 cubic feet of space and a payload of up to 35,000 pounds, while its dual cargo doors and built‑in winch facilitate loading in austere conditions. The LC‑130F’s reliability and versatility have made it a cornerstone of polar aviation, influencing later ski‑modified transports and demonstrating the strategic value of all‑weather, short‑runway capability in extreme environments.
Classification
Production & History
- Units Produced
- 4