Lockheed Tp.84 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 this year’s Air Tattoo.

The Swedish Air Force operate a fleet of five C-130H Hercules as tactical transport and a single KC-130H as an aerial tanker. In Swedish service, the C-130H is known as the Tp.84 and are based at Såtenäs.

The Swedish Air Force will be sending one of their Tp.84 Hercules to this year’s Air Tattoo in support their aircraft on display. The Hercules is not expected to be on static display over the weekend.

Photo Credit: Peter March