The C-130 Hercules is famed for its durability and versatility, and during its long service has established itself as the backbone of world militaries. Since its first introduction over 40 models and variants of the Hercules have been produced and are used today by more than 60 nations worldwide.
The need for a new heavy-lifting military transport first became a priority of the American military during the Korean War. Here, troops and materiel needed to be transported, often landing on small, poorly maintained airstrips. Though Lockheed Martin began developing a prototype during the war, it would not take flight until 23 August 1954, from the company’s California plant. Nonetheless the C-130 proved a success, capable of takeoff in just 800 feet, and shortly after the first orders were arriving at US Air Force bases. During the Vietnam War, C-130s used a Low Altitude Parachute Extraction System (LAPES) to resupply troops at Khe Sanh, without the aircraft needing to land.