Lockheed C-130E Hercules

First flying 68 years ago, the Lockheed Hercules is a four-engine military transport plane that has seen extensive service throughout NATO and other nations around the world. The Hercules is still in production as the C-130J Super Hercules. In addition to transport, operators of the C-130 have found a variety of different uses for the type. This has included being a gunship armed with artillery cannons, search and rescue, scientific research, aerial refuelling, electronic combat and maritime patrol to name but a few. Whilst the C-130J is still in production and is still receiving new orders, the RAF were the launch customer for this new version of the Hercules in 1995 and retired their fleet in June 2023.

The Polish Air Force first began operating the Hercules in 2009 when the first of five second-hand C-130E were delivered from the USA. A further order for five ex-USAF C-130H models was placed in 2021 with the first aircraft arriving in July 2022.

In support of its F-16 solo display which is also taking part in the show, the Polish Air Force will be sending a C-130E Hercules from the 3rd Transport Aviation Wing based at Powidz to this year’s Air Tattoo. It is not yet known if the aircraft will remain here on static display over the weekend.

Photo Credit: Peter March