Popular
1976 Lockheed C-130H Hercules
- February 2, 2023
Lockheed C-130H Hercules for Sale — Military Tactical Transport Aircraft
The Lockheed C-130H Hercules is one of the most successful and versatile military transport aircraft ever built, a four-engine turboprop tactical airlifter that has served continuously since 1956 and remains in production today as the C-130J Super Hercules. The C-130H specifically represents the primary production standard of the later Hercules family, featuring Allison T56-A-15 turboprop engines, updated avionics, and structural improvements that extended the aircraft's service life well into the twenty-first century. With the ability to operate from unprepared airstrips as short as 3,000 feet while carrying up to 45,000 pounds of cargo, the Hercules has served in roles ranging from strategic airlift and airdrop to aerial firefighting, hurricane hunting, maritime patrol, and humanitarian relief. Airplane Trade maintains listings for the Lockheed C-130H Hercules for qualified buyers including government operators, commercial cargo carriers, and specialized mission operators.
The C-130H in Military Service
The C-130H entered production in 1974 and was delivered to the United States Air Force and dozens of allied nations over the following three decades. Improvements over earlier Hercules models included the more powerful T56-A-15 engine producing 4,591 shaft horsepower per nacelle, updated navigation systems, improved fuel systems, and a reinforced center wing box designed to address fatigue issues identified in earlier variants. The C-130H became the standard tactical transport for NATO air forces throughout the Cold War and remains in active service with many air forces today, though increasing numbers are being retired from military use as the C-130J enters service.
The versatility of the C-130H has led to its adoption in an extraordinary range of specialized roles beyond basic cargo transport. Electronic warfare variants, search and rescue configurations, aerial refueling tankers, gunship derivatives, and maritime patrol versions have all been developed from the basic C-130 platform, demonstrating the fundamental soundness of the original design.
Technical Specifications — C-130H
- Engines: Four Allison T56-A-15 turboprops, 4,591 shp each
- Maximum cruise speed: 325 knots (374 mph) at 20,000 ft
- Service ceiling: 28,000 ft
- Maximum range: Approximately 4,250 nm (with maximum fuel)
- Maximum payload: 45,000 lb
- Cargo hold dimensions: 41 ft x 10 ft x 9 ft
- Troop capacity: 92 combat troops or 64 paratroopers
- Litter capacity: 74 litters plus 2 medical attendants
- Maximum takeoff weight: 175,000 lb
- Wingspan: 132 ft 7 in
- Length: 97 ft 9 in
Civilian and Government Applications
Retired military C-130Hs have found extensive civilian and government use worldwide. Commercial operators use them for cargo transport in remote regions including Alaska, Africa, and the Arctic where short unprepared airstrips are common. Aerial firefighting contractors operate large air tanker-converted C-130s with retardant tanks installed in the cargo compartment for fighting wildfires in difficult terrain. The US Forest Service and state forestry agencies have operated C-130 air tankers for decades, and several commercial VLAT (Very Large Air Tanker) operators use C-130-based platforms.
Humanitarian organizations and governments use surplus C-130Hs for disaster relief operations, where the aircraft's ability to operate into damaged or primitive airfields and deliver large quantities of supplies in a single sortie is invaluable. Coastguard, border patrol, and maritime surveillance agencies operate specially configured C-130Hs with radar, optical sensors, and communications systems tailored to their specific missions.
Acquisition Considerations
Acquiring a C-130H requires engagement with the DSCA (Defense Security Cooperation Agency) for US military surplus sales, or direct purchase from foreign governments or commercial operators holding civilian-registered examples. Maintenance requires access to the T56 engine overhaul network, Allison/Rolls-Royce authorized service centers, and structural inspection capability for the center wing box and wing attachment points. FAA certification as a Standard or Experimental aircraft depends on the modification standard and intended operations.
Find a Lockheed C-130H Hercules on Airplane Trade
Airplane Trade maintains dedicated listings for the Lockheed C-130H Hercules where government agencies, commercial operators, and mission aviation organizations can find aircraft from military surplus programs and commercial sellers. Browse current C-130H listings or list your aircraft for sale to reach the specialized buyer community for large military transport aircraft on Airplane Trade.