Francesc de Borja Ruiz Pina

 

The famous C130 commonly known as Hercules, can be appreciated in a lot of films and tv series, because of the reputation it has forged in real missions. It is the military cargo plane by reference. Virtually every developed air force have owned at least one squadron of C130.

It is a four engine turboprop cargo plane conceived for a military purpose by Lockheed Martin.   With many practical uses besides carrying cargo, like paratrooper deployment, in-flight refueling or even close air support to ground troops, we can say it is a very capable and multi-role aircraft.

During its years on service, we have seen numerous versions of this plane. At the moment it is being replaced in a lot of countries by the Airbus A400, an even bigger cargo plane. However comparing its pros and cons in its practical uses, the overall balance will make us see a clear winner in the C130.

In conclusion, as it is one of the oldest plane still being made these days, we can assure it has been a very important plane in the military aviation sector.