- quality handcrafted wooden model military airplanes -
- quality handcrafted
wooden model
military airplanes -
C-130 Hercules (4 different models)
|
Photography by Action Asia Photo
|
Four decades have elapsed since the Air Force issued the original design specifications for the C-130, yet the remarkable Hercules remains in production. The initial production model was the C-130A, with four Allison T56-A-11 or -9 turboprops. A total of 219 were ordered and deliveries began in December 1956. The C-130B introduced Allison T56-A-7 turboprops and the first of 134 entered Air Force service in May 1959. C-130E's, introduced in August of 1962 with 389 delivered, used the same Allison T56-A-7 engine but had two extra 1,290 gallon external fuel tanks and provided an increased maximum takeoff weight capability. The first of 308 C-130H's were delivered in June 1974 with the more powerful Allison T56-A-15 turboprop engine. Nearly identical to the C-130E externally, the new engine brought major performance improvements to the aircraft. The latest C-130 to be produced - the C-130J - entered the inventory in February 1999. With the noticeable difference of a six bladed composite propeller coupled to a Rolls-Royce AE2100D3 turboprop engine, the C-130J has much better performance than all previous models and allowed for the introduction of the C-130J-30 which is a stretch version with a 15-foot fuselage extension. Approximately 168 C-130J/J-30s are planned for the inventory. The C-130 Hercules primarily performs the tactical portion of the airlift mission. The aircraft is capable of operating from rough, dirt strips using high flotation landing gear and is the prime transport for air dropping troops and equipment into hostile areas. Using its aft loading ramp and door the C-130 can accommodate a wide variety of oversized cargo including everything from utility helicopters and 6-wheeled armored vehicles to standard palletized cargo and also military personnel. The C-130 operates throughout the US Air Force serving with Air Mobility Command, Air Force Special Operations Command, Air National Guard and the Air Force Reserve Command performing a wide range of operational missions during both peace and wartime. Basic and specialized versions of the aircraft perform a diverse number of roles including airlift support, Antarctic ice re-supply, medical missions, weather reconnaissance, aerial spray missions, fire fighting duties for the U.S. Forest Service and natural disaster relief missions. The flexible design of the Hercules enables it to be configured for many different missions allowing for one aircraft to perform the role of many. Much of the special mission equipment added to the Hercules is removable allowing the aircraft to revert back to its cargo delivery role if desired. Additionally, the C-130 can be re-configured quickly for various types of cargo such as palletized equipment, floor loaded material, air drop platforms, container delivery system bundles, vehicles and personnel or aero-medical evacuation. Crew:
Two pilots, navigator, engineer, loadmaster
Related Links |
||
© 2002-8 All Wood Wings - All Rights Reserved
