Lockheed C-130E Hercules

First flying 71 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 will be retiring their last example shortly before this year’s Air Tattoo.

The C-130E Hercules is the workhorse of the Pakistan Air Force's air transport fleet and operates around 18 of the aircraft in a number of different versions and missions, including intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, they have even been used as makeshift bombers. These were supplemented by the acquisition of six ex-Belgian Air Force C-130H variants with the final three being delivered during December 2024.

Pakistan made its Air Tattoo debut back in 2006 when it sent a C-130 painted with a special tail thanking nations for taking part in international relief efforts after the Kashmir earthquake in 2005. All of Pakistan's Hercules are operated by 6 Sqn, based at Islamabad International Airport. A single example will once again be appearing on static display at RIAT25.

Photo Credit: Rich Cooper