CC-130 Hercules

Hercules Image Gallery

The CC-130 Hercules is theworkhorse of the air force's transport fleet, hauling freight and personnel throughout Canada and the world. Its ability to carry outsized loads makes the Hercules the air force's only heavy hauler in its inventory.

Whether its sustaining troops with supplies in Kosovo, lifting grain to famine-stricken Africa or moving soldiers to the scene of an operation or natural disaster, 8 Wing's fleet of 20 Hercules see service in all corners of the globe.

In its personnel carrier role, the CC-130 can accommodate 92 combat troops or 64 fully equipped paratroops on side-facing seats. For medicalevacuations, it carries 74 litter patients and two medical attendants. Paratroopers exit the Aircraft through two doors on either side of the Aircraft behind the landing-gear fairings. Another exit is off the rear ramp for airdrops.

On mercy flights, the CC-130 brings in food, clothing, shelter, doctors, nurses and medical supplies and moving victims to safety.

In response to the overwhelming role played by the tactical airlift fleet in Operations Scotch, Airbridge and in the Persian Gulf War, the Department of National Defence has approved the procurement of counter measuresequipment for deploying chaff and flares, as well as an avionics upgrade that will usher the fleet into the next century.

CC-130 Quick Facts

Primary Function: Intratheatre airlift.
Contractor: Lockheed
Power Plant: Four Allison T56-A-7 or -15 turboprops; 4,300 horsepower, each engine.
Length: 97 feet, 9 inches (29.3 meters).
Height: 38 feet, 3 inches (11.4 meters).
Wingspan: 132 feet, 7 inches (39.7 meters).
Speed: 374 mph (Mach 0.57) at 20,000 feet (6,060 meters).
Ceiling: 33,000 feet (10,000 meters) with 40,000 pounds (17,320 kilograms) payload.
Maximum Takeoff Weight: 155,000 pounds (69,750 kilograms).
Range: 2,356 miles (2,049 nautical miles) with maximum payload; 2,500 miles (2,174 nautical miles) with 25,000 pounds (11,250 kilograms) cargo; 5,200 miles (4,522 nautical miles) with no cargo.
Date Deployed: April 1955.