Lockheed C-130H Hercules

First flying 68 years ago, the Lockheed Hercules is a four-engine military transport plane that has seen extensive service throughout NATO and other nations around the world. The Hercules is still in production as the C-130J Super Hercules. In addition to transport, operators of the C-130 have found a variety of different uses for the type. This has included being a gunship armed with artillery cannons, search and rescue, scientific research, aerial refuelling, electronic combat and maritime patrol to name but a few. Whilst the C-130J is still in production and is still receiving new orders, the RAF were the launch customer for this new version of the Hercules in 1995 and retired their fleet during June 2023.

The Polish Air Force first began operating the Hercules during 2009 when the first of five second hand C-130E were delivered from the USA. A further order for five ex-USAF C-130H models was placed in 2021 with the first aircraft arriving during July 2022. The final aircraft should be delivered around the time of RIAT 2024.

As part of our 75th anniversary of NATO and in support of it’s F-16s which are also taking part in the show, the Polish Air Force will be sending a C-130H Hercules from the 14th Aviation Squadron based at Powidz to this year’s Air Tattoo. It is anticipated that the aircraft will be remaining for static display over the weekend.

Photo Credit: Peter March