Lockheed Hercules WC-130E
Serial No: | 64-0553 |
Period: | Post-WWII |
Reference: | L001-0008 |
Museum: | London |
Location: | Hangar 6 |
On Display: | Yes |
Originally designed for USAF service, the Hercules medium range tactical transport first flew in 1954, and continues to provide reliable service worldwide.
An adaptable airframe, also used for drone control, special forces dropping, calibration and electronic countermeasures, search and rescue, and in-flight refuelling, and some equipped with skis for Antarctic operations, it even served as a gunship during the Vietnam war, carrying 20mm and 40mm calibre cannon and eventually a 105mm howitzer!
Along with many other air arms worldwide, the Hercules has seen extensive RAF service; Twenty-five of the Lockheed C-130J Hercules C.Mk.4/5 version were introduced to replace earlier Hercules C-130K C.Mk.1 and C.Mk.3 aircraft dating back to the original introduction of the type into RAF service in April 1967.