Lockheed Martin CC-130J 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 will be retiring their last example shortly before last year’s Air Tattoo.

The Royal Canadian Air Force were an early adopter of the C-130 Hercules taking delivery of four C-130B models in 1960 as the C-130 Mk1. These were later replaced by a larger fleet of C-130E and H model Hercules which used the common designation of CC-130E/H in RCAF service, this included a number of aerial refuelling capable KC-130s. The remaining CC-130H fleet has since been supplemented by a fleet of 17 C-130Js known as the CC-130J which are all operated by 436 Squadron from 8 Wing based at Trenton.

The RCAF will be sending a single CC-130J for static display at this year’s Air Tattoo which will take part in our celebrations of the 100th anniversary of the RCAF.

Photo Credit: RIAT Volunteer