Lockheed KC-130 Hercules

The Lockheed KC‑130 Hercules is a versatile aerial refueling and transport aircraft developed by Lockheed Corporation in the late 1950s as a navalized version of the C‑130 Hercules. First flown on 31 March 1959, the KC‑130 entered service with the United States Marine Corps in 1960 and has since been adopted by numerous allied air forces. Its robust four‑engine turboprop configuration, high‑wing layout, and reinforced undercarriage allow operation from short, unprepared runways and aircraft carriers. Key features include a built‑in hose‑and‑drogue refueling system capable of simultaneously refueling up to four aircraft, a rear cargo ramp that accommodates vehicles, pallets, and troops, and advanced avionics such as the HARS (Horizontal Attitude Reference System) and modern navigation suites. Over the decades the platform has received incremental upgrades, including engine improvements, upgraded glass cockpits, and defensive systems. The KC‑130’s ability to combine air‑to‑air refueling, cargo lift, and humanitarian aid delivery in a single airframe makes it a critical asset for expeditionary and amphibious operations, cementing its legacy as one of the most adaptable workhorses in modern military aviation. Its continued service into the 2020s demonstrates the design’s longevity and the ongoing relevance of multi‑role platforms in joint force logistics.

Lockheed Corporation

Lockheed KC-130 Hercules

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Design & Classification