Lockheed Martin Hercules - Hardcover

Smith, Peter

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 085979153X ISBN 13: 9780859791533

Publisher: Crecy Publishing, 2011

Synopsis

The most versatile military transport aircraft ever built, the C-130 Hercules has been in continuous production for more than half a century and has seen service with more than 50 different air forces around the world. No other aircraft has shown such continuous durability and her adaptability has ensured that the Hercules in all her many manifestations is the ultimate success story of aviation and military design.

Originating in the 1950's when the USAF needed an aircraft with heavy cargo lifting ability, troop-carrying capacity, and the ability to operate safely from the most primitive of runways, the Hercules has appeared wherever there has been a crisis, war, or emergency. In combat, no matter whether in tropical jungle, desert landing strips, or almost-impassable terrain, the C-130's homely and familiar profile has arterialized where she was most needed. From the icy wastes of Antarctica to the earthquake-stricken island of Haiti in January 2010, the aircraft has arrived on the scene laden with medical and emergency supplies, aid teams, and heavy lifting gear.

This is the full story of the Hercules and a faithful record of all her exploits over half-a-century, in her many guises, from gunship in Vietnam, to flying hospital in Arabia, and is fully illustrated with many original color and black-and-white photographs. All Hercules types and many foreign air forces and civilian operators are covered, including their varied uses and multiple roles. This complete aircraft history also contains a type listing, details of sub-contractors, exhibits and museums, together with color aircraft profiles which combine to make The Lockheed Martin Hercules essential reading for the aviation enthusiast or historian.

About this title

About the Author

Peter C. Smith is an internationally renowned author who has written several books and articles for leading military and aviation magazines.

Review

"In all, an excellent reference book that I know you will find as useful as have I. A book that seriously deserves a space on your library shelf and one that I can easily recommned to you." -Modeling Madness, reviewed by Scott Van Aken, April 2011 (Modeling Madness 2011-04-01)

"You're not likely to find a more thorough history of the ubiquitous and classic tactical transport than this one." -Model Aircraft Magazine, reviewed by Tom Bell, May 2011 (Model Aircraft Magazine 2011-05-23)

"The Lockheed Martin C-130 Hercules certainly provides comprehensive coverage of one of the greatest planes ever built. It is a great book for the modeler and aviation historian alike. The photographs and drawings are an excellent resource for the modeler. It would be a valuable addition to any aviation book collection. The thorough details the author has provided as well as the photographs and artwork make this book one I highly recommend." -IPMS, reviewed by Peter Downen, May 2011 (IPMS 2011-05-01)

"Overall, this is a great reference on the C-130 Hercules, and one which does the aircraft justice." -Internet Modeler, reviewed by Chris Banyai-Riepl (Internet Modeler 2011-06-01)

Edition details

• Publisher: Crecy Publishing
• Publication date: 2011
• ISBN 10: 085979153X
• ISBN 13: 9780859791533
• Binding: Hardcover
• Language: English
• Edition number: 2
• Number of pages: 320