LC-130 HERCULES

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)