Lockheed Corporation
LC-130R Hercules
The LC‑130R Hercules is a ski‑equipped variant of the Lockheed C‑130 transport, built by Lockheed Corporation for the United States Air Force and later operated by the Air National Guard’s 109th Airlift Wing. Developed in the early 1960s to support Operation Deep Freeze in Antarctica, the aircraft combined the proven C‑130 airframe with removable fiberglass skis, allowing it to land on snow, ice, and unimproved polar runways. Powered by four Allison T56‑A‑15 turboprop engines delivering 4,591 shaft horsepower each, the LC‑130R can haul up to 45,000 pounds of cargo, transport 44 passengers, or tow up to 30,000 pounds of external loads such as sleds and scientific equipment. Advanced navigation and de‑icing systems enable year‑round operations in extreme cold, while its reinforced landing gear and heated fuel tanks protect against the rigors of polar environments. Since its introduction, the LC‑130R has become indispensable for logistical resupply, personnel movement, and scientific research in Antarctica and the Arctic, supporting U.S. and international research stations. Its reliability and versatility have earned it a unique place in aviation history as the premier heavy‑lift ski aircraft, bridging the gap between conventional air transport and the harshest of Earth’s frontiers.
