History of the C-130

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History of the C-130 Hercules Gary Cole Aviation Legislation December 13, 2010 Abstract For over five decades, the C-130 holds the record for the longest a production aircraft in manufacturing history. The C-130 has been manufactured for 57 years. The efforts this unique aircraft has been used in war time, humanitarian relief, search and rescue, fire fighting and of course aerial cargo transport. Many countries around the world rely on the C-130 and the versatile uses it produces. Lockheed Martin has produced this unique aircraft for over 60 different countries. While the exterior of the aircraft has had very minor changes, the interior has gone through a major overhaul. The most drastic change of this aircraft was the introduction of the J model. This version has vamped new life for the C-130 which in the late 1990’s almost looked to be an aircraft of the past. History of the C-130 Hercules The C-130 has been produced for the longest in aviation history. While some years have been more productive on the assembly line than others, the C-130 has been in production for over 57 years. On August 23, 1954 the first of two C-130A’s was flown from Burbank, California to Edwards AFB. The two prototypes were assembled in Lockheed’s Burbank plant. Lockheed would move the production to the Marietta, Georgia plant where over 2,000 C-130 aircraft have been assembled. The aircraft is capable of operating from dirt strips and is the prime transport for airdropping troops and equipment into hostile areas. The first mission of the C-130A was surprisingly not used during a war but a humanitarian effort. The year was 1957 and the civil right movement was in effect. Three years prior the Supreme Court had ruled that racial segregation was unconstitutional in public schools. The C-130 had been used to fly in National Guardsmen to protect nine black children that were

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