C-130 Hercules: A History

by Martin W. Bowman

Designed in response to a 1951 requirement, the C-130 Hercules is the most successful military airlifter ever built. Since it first flew in prototype form on 23 August 1954, more than 2,100 have been produced in over eighty different versions. Across its variants, the Hercules serves more than sixty air forces, as well as many civilian cargo operators, in a multiplicity of roles, including air-to-air refueller, gunship, airborne command post, flying hospital and fire-fighter.

This rugged and easily maintained aircraft entered service in 1956 with the USAF Tactical Air Command. Ten years later the 'Charlie 130' was providing essential logistical support in Vietnam. This period in South-East Asia was the Hercules' finest hour. Paradrops, airlift and evacuation operations were completed around the clock, often at low level, usually under fire and nearly always in bad weather.

A generation later this 'Mr Dependable' was serving with equal distinction in the Gulf War in the role of airlifter, radio-countermeasures and 'psy-ops' platform, gunship and, once again, 'block-buster bomber'. The 'Herky Bird' or 'Fat Albert', as the C-130 is fondly known, has proved a key component in humanitarian relief operations ever since, in all parts of the world.

The incredible success story of the C-130 is far from over. Here Martin W. Bowman tells the full story of this remarkable aircraft at first-hand.

Genres: Nonfiction, Aviation

320 pages, Paperback

First published July 30, 2017

About the author

Martin W. Bowman is one of Britain's leading aviation authors, with over 100 published books on the Second World War and post-war aviation history, and several on the landscape of East Anglia. He has also established an international reputation for his superb imagery and aerial photography. He has a passion for flying in military aircraft. He lives in Norwich, Norfolk.

Reviews

[Bob · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is quite a fine read on the history of Lockheed's (now Lockheed Martin's) perennial and universal airlifter. Martin Bowman traces the development of the C-130 in its many variants. Accounts of notable Hercules operations--including action over Southeast Asia, the Entebbe hostage rescue raid, the Falklands War, and conflict over Southwest Asia--are worth the read. A fine selection of photos show the C-130s in use around the world. The appendices go into C-130 variants and operators. There are a number of typos and some repeated information in a few chapters. (This editor and proofreader noticed them right away.) Otherwise, it would earn a better rating. Still, a nice read for C-130 Hercules fans.

[Brian S · Rating 1 out of 5]

Second Bowman book I have attempted to read and no more will I try. Essentially a bunch of facts jumbled and spread across the pages like marmite on toast. There doesn't seem to be any real flow and the text becomes very boring very quickly. Some areas are completely missing and others irelevant. There are better books on the subject.

[Cameron · Rating 3 out of 5]

Numerous factual errors and incorrect photo captions. Frequent repetition in chapters. More an operational history with very little technical analysis of the aircraft