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Resources > Fact Sheets > LC-130 HERCULES
LC-130 HERCULES
Posted 9/24/2008
Printable Fact Sheet
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A U.S. Air Force LC-130 Hercules from the New York Air National Guard's 109th Airlift Wing touches down near McMurdo, Antarctica. The first plane landed there 50 years ago. (U.S. Air Force photo)
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MISSION
The LC-130 four-engine turboprop transport aircraft is the backbone of U.S. Transportation within Antarctica and also provides air service between McMurdo Station, Antarctica and New Zealand. The LC-130 fleet supports a wide range of scientific research on climate change, global warming, ozone depletion, earth history, astronomy and environmental change.
FEATURES
The LC-130 is the polar version of the familiar C-130 cargo plane. Its unique feature is the ski-equipped landing gear, which enables operation on snow or ice surfaces throughout Antarctica. The plane also has wheels for landing on prepared hard surfaces.
The United States is the only operator of ski-equipped LC-130 Hercules aircraft in the world.
GENERAL CHARACTERISTICS
Designated Name
Hercules
Contractor
Lockheed Aeronautical System Corp
Engines
Four Allsion T-56-A-15 Turboprops
Operating Weight
90,000 pounds
Max. Weight
155,000 pounds
Max. Payload
45,000 pounds
Length
97 feet 9 inches
Wingspan
132 feet 7 inches
Cruise Speed
350 mph
Range
356+ mile; with a maximum payload
Max number of pallets
6
Max number of passengers
60
Length of skis
Nose Ski - 10' X 5' long, 6" wide
Main Skis - 12' X 5' long, 6" wide
Basic Crew
Six (two pilots, navigator, flight engineer, two loadmasters)
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