Lockheed NC-130H Hercules

The Lockheed NC‑130H Hercules is a specialized variant of the iconic C‑130 transport family, built by Lockheed Martin for the United States Navy and Marine Corps. First introduced in the late 1960s, the NC‑130H was derived from the C‑130E airframe and equipped for electronic warfare, signals intelligence, and ocean‑surveillance missions. Powered by four Allison T56‑A‑15 turboprop engines delivering 4,591 shaft horsepower each, the aircraft retains the Hercules’ high‑wing, rugged airframe, long‑range capability and ability to operate from short, unprepared runways. Unique features include a side‑looking airborne radar (SLAR), a suite of ELINT antennas, and a nose‑mounted infrared camera system that enable real‑time maritime domain awareness and covert data collection. Over 30 airframes served across the Pacific and Atlantic theatres, supporting carrier strike groups, anti‑submarine warfare, and humanitarian operations. The NC‑130H’s versatility demonstrated the adaptability of the C‑130 platform, influencing later reconnaissance and special‑mission derivatives such as the EC‑130H Compass Call. Its legacy endures as a testament to how a classic transport can be transformed into a critical intelligence‑gathering asset in modern aviation. Today, several restored NC‑130H airframes are displayed in museums, preserving their story.