The Lockheed EC-130E Hercules was introduced in the 1950s as a troop, medical evacuation, and cargo transport aircraft for the US Air Force. Since its introduction, the versatile aircraft has served in such capacities as gunship, search and rescue, scientific research, weather reconnaissance, aerial refueling, firefighting, and much more. The C-130 is the only military aircraft to remain in production for over 50 years and it’s still going strong today.
Then & Now
Our EC-130E was one of the aircraft used in the Iran Hostage Crisis Rescue attempt in 1980 called Operation Eagle Claw, but it has seen service in many battles both before and after this event. Here is a brief excerpt of the event as told in Colonel James Kyle’s book on the mission called The Guts To Try:
“As Tharp’s aircraft accelerated down the runway, we were watching through night vision goggles. The blown fuel truck at the far end had pretty well burned itself out and there were only stars and moonlight.
Then, as the C-130 reached the 3,000-foot point, my heart leaped into my throat. The aircraft hit the sand piled up along the shoulder of the road. There was a giant shower of dust and sand.
My God! We’ve lost ’em!
Then, out of the other side of the billowing mass, the struggling Hercules appeared, straining to recapture its lost airspeed. Another 1,000 feet and the big bird staggered into the air.”
Since the aircraft is located on an active ramp area, free tours are scheduled each day (weather permitting) to allow visitors to view this exhibit.
Learn more about the entire history of this aircraft.
