Happy 70th Birthday C-130

[Stocky59]

70 years ago on the 23rd August 1954 the Lockheed C-130 made its maiden flight. It is just as relevant today as it was then, shows how right the designers were.

[The Phantom]

An incredible aircraft.

[Malcy]

Had a blast in 1979 at Greenham with my mate Steve and a minibus load of dudes from Aberdeen. Always remember - SPAMCAN!

[22A]

Had a blast in 1979 at Greenham

I remember that. Going past the line up with one herk fitted with skis, another with three bladed props and one with two fuel tanks on each wing, someone said "Oh; they're all the same".
The aircraft parked up in the order they arrived and when officials arrived from the London embassies; it was found the Saudi and Israeli Herks were alongside. The politicos threw their hands up in horror and decided the aircraft needed to be separated. The aircrew were found sat around a table drinking and chatting together.

[reheat module]

Thank you Charlie for taking me on some magical journeys and, just as important, bringing me home safely again. A Trojan workhorse and capability to adapt at its best. Special mention to the acoustic design team, who produced an airframe where all the noise was kept on the inside...

[eagle driver]

Happy birthday Herk
Very nearly as old as me.

[lardyboy999]

If it wasn't for the mighty Herc, my eldest wouldn't have been born.

She's 33 now, and mother to my only granddaughter (so far).

All Hail the Mighty Hercules!

[cat1]

Shame we had to get rid of it because... because.....

Oh never mind

[Martin]

One of the themes for next year's RIAT, the Herc at 70?

[adderman]

One of the themes for next year's RIAT, the Herc at 70?

Sounds a great idea.
Oldest flying example parked alongside the newest J model that's come direct from the factory?
Only 300+ days to find out eh?

[Professor_M]

One of the themes for next year's RIAT, the Herc at 70?

It has been suggested in various media interviews by Peter Reoch of RIAT that 2029 would be well suited to an airlifter theme - 75 Years of C-130, 20 Years of A400, 30 Years of C-27J.

If they were to mark 70 Years of C-130, I would have thought they would do it this year, not next?