Hercules: The action-packed Sunday Times bestselling account of flying the legendary RAF aircraft

by Scott Bateman, Angus King (Narrator)

Brought to you by Penguin.

THE SUNDAY TIMES TOP 10 BESTSELLER

Read the legendary story of the Lockheed C-130 Hercules aircraft, seen through the eyes of former RAF captain Scott Bateman


Take wing with an unsung hero . . .

Hercules is the hero of the skies we never talk about. First to land in any combat zone and last out, the Hercules always unflashily gets the job done – whether that’s a risky air drop or hauling out troops in an emergency evac.
Also working as an aerial tanker, gunship, spyplane, air-sea rescuer and even a precision bomber, its versatility has time and again seen the Hercules give the RAF their edge – from Antarctica to Iraq, Afghanistan to the Falklands.
Captain Scott Bateman drags us into the cockpit and buckles us in for an extraordinary pilot’s seat view of this aircraft’s 50-year history.

Anytime. Anywhere. Anyhow.

'An engaging and revealing read' JOHN NICHOL

‘An action-packed insider’s account of what it’s like to fly this legendary flying machine in peace and war’ KeyAero.com

2024 Scott Bateman (P)2024 Penguin Audio

Genres: Aviation, Military Fiction, History, Military History, Nonfiction, Memoir

Audible Audio

Published May 23, 2024

Reviews

[Mr N P Leversuch]

I found this an enjoyable read. A good blend of aspects covering the aircraft itself, the demands and achievements of the aircrew and the range of activities undertaken by the aircraft, often beyond the rated capabilities of the aircraft.
Sadly, also covered is an insight into the heartbreak caused to the families when aircraft crash and aircrew are killed.
The outline of the progress made by the author from Loadmaster to Pilot-in-charge, gave an interesting insight into the range of teamwork activities required to get the best performance from the aircraft.
Personally, I would have liked a bit more technical detail about the design, development and capabilities of the aircraft, but still a good book and an interesting read.

[Phil Rice]

It is a superb book written by a legend in The RAF Hercules world. Scott had superb service in The RAF which started as an air loadmaster serving at Lyneham Wiltshire after this that led him to transfer to become a pilot on 47 Squadron. Scott has researched this book expertly not only the first flight of the Herc but also included missions and sorties that the Herc has undertaken with overseas air forces as well as the main ones that Herc undertook with The RAF of which Scott was part of during his Air Force career

[Ewan Hamilton]

This is both a great insight to the story of a legendary aircraft type and the inner workings of military flying. The chapters were engaging and gave some great examples of reflection, highlighting what the aircraft meant to the crews and what the crews meant to each other. As a self confessed AvGeek, this was everything I hoped it would be and would highly recommend it to anyone interested in aircraft or military stories.

[Paul Evans]

Great book and gives a fascinating insight into what the Herc has done over its life.

I loved flying on this aircraft and this was reinforced by my time at RAF Lyneham when my neighbours were the pilots that flew this amazing piece of kit.

A lot of the authors stories align with my time in the RAF so give added detail to events that I was aware of.

Great read and recommended to Fat Albert geeks and anyone who loved being around this RAF legendary plane.

[Micheal Martindale]

Lyneham Hercs

I spent the last 7 years of a 12 year engagement working as an electrical engineer on the Herc squadrons at Fairford and Lyneham. This book brings back many great memories for me, while I was nor aircrew I always felt the appreciation the aircrew gave to the ground crews for getting their aircraft ready and safe for them to fly. Mike Martindale (ex Sgt RAF)

[Andy]

This was a really interesting read on something I had never really thought about but yet plaid such a vital role

[Robert Whitfield]

A testament to an RAF legend. Having had fond memories watching these icons as a child, this was worthy tribute. Thank you to the interview of Scotty on FlightRadar24 making me aware of this!

[Stuart Harland]

Very enjoyable. Excellent history of this much loved workhorse. Recommended for any aviation enthusiast.