Today in flying history 23 Aug 1954 - Herc
First flight Lockheed C-130 Hercules, American four-engine turboprop military transport aircraft - 63 years!!
The first three were ordered for the RNZAF in June 1963, and delivered in April 1965, replacing the Handley Page C.Mk.3 Hastings.
They were the first H models to be delivered outside the USA. In 1967 two further aircraft were ordered, and they entered service with 40 Squadron in early 1969.


Lockheed C-130 progress film - 1955
Watch on youtube.com
Hercules Documentary
Watch on youtube.com
Herk on a carrier
Watch on youtube.com
Rocket test fail
Watch on youtube.com
Courtesy of Grayson Ottoway
The first three were ordered for the RNZAF in June 1963, and delivered in April 1965, replacing the Handley Page C.Mk.3 Hastings.
They were the first H models to be delivered outside the USA. In 1967 two further aircraft were ordered, and they entered service with 40 Squadron in early 1969.
Lockheed C-130 progress film - 1955
Hercules Documentary
Herk on a carrier
Rocket test fail
Courtesy of Grayson Ottoway
