The RNZAF purchased the three first ever, H model Hercules (NZ 7001, NZ 7002, NZ 7003) from the US in April 1965 and then another two aircraft (NZ 7004, and NZ 7005) in 1968.
So we've had the old gals in service for 55 years! (EDIT: Was incorrectly stated as 65 yrs. The RNZAF has operated them since 1965)
Mid last year Government announced a $1.5bn spend on 5 new C-130J Super Hercules to replace them from 2024 - or after 59 years of service.
The C-130 Hercules is the world's longest continuously produced military aircraft. As of 2015 just over 2,500 had been produced.
Interestingly it didn't look like the current C-130 in initial design - below.
The Lockheed design team was led by Willis Hawkins, starting with a 130-page proposal for the Lockheed L-206. Hall Hibbard, Lockheed vice president and chief engineer, saw the proposal and directed it to Kelly Johnson, who did not care for the low-speed, unarmed aircraft, and remarked, "If you sign that letter, you will destroy the Lockheed Company."
There was an interest in “pack planes” in the late 1940s and early 1950s – transport aircraft with minimalist fuselages that could be affixed to detachable cargo pods. Fairchild had of course investigated the concept with the XC-120 derivative of its C-119 Flying Boxcar, but Lockheed was also interested in this class of aircraft, and looked at a version of the L-206 tactical transport, the basic model of which was to mature as the C-130 Hercules.
Both Hibbard and Johnson signed the proposal and the company won the contract for a changed high wings version now-designated Model 82 on 2 July 1951.
Some vids
https://youtu.be/-IonKH-HIeU
Flight Deck
https://youtu.be/Rup3Rto_W44
Landed on a Carrier - excuse the damn music!
https://youtu.be/uM5AI3YSV3M
https://youtu.be/EERe7XEPeuM
