Back cover text — Since her first flight in 1954, fifty-eight countries have adopted the Hercules for missions ranging from special operations drops and aerial refueling to use as an airborne hospital. She has had rockets hooked up for short, overloaded takeoffs and skis strapped on for polar operations. The Hercules has even landed (look ma, no tail hook) and taken off from an aircraft carrier at sea. She doesn’t go fast, won’t win any aerial beauty contests, but... Contents — Acknowledgments (vi). Preface (ix). Glossary (xi). Chapter 1: In the Beginning (1). Chapter 2: Logistic Airlift (17). Chapter 3: Tactical Airlift (29). Chapter 4: Special Operations (41). Chapter 5: Aerospace Rescue and Weather Reconnaissance (53). Chapter 6: The Seagoing Herks (65). Chapter 7: Semper Paratus Herks (77). Chapter 8: Reserves and Air Guard (89). Chapter 9: The Family Tree—and Other Offspring (101). Chapter 10: Civilian Hercules (109). Chapter 11: Foreign Usage (117). Chapter 12: Future Development (123). Appendix: C-130 Major Derivatives (129).

KIT - 15/16: Lockheed C 130.H. Hercules