80s Retro C-130 Hercules T-shirt by Squadron Posters!

The C-130 is now the main tactical airlifter for many military forces worldwide. More than 40 variants of the “Hercules”, including civilian versions marketed as the Lockheed L-100, operate in more than 60 nations. The C-130 entered service with the U.S. in 1956, followed by Australia and many other nations. During its years of service, the Hercules has participated in numerous military, civilian and humanitarian aid operations. In 2007, the transport became the fifth aircraft to mark 50 years of continuous service with its original primary customer, which for the C-130 is the United States Air Force. The C-130 is the longest continuously produced military aircraft, having achieved 70 years of production in 2024. The updated Lockheed Martin C-130J Super Hercules remains in production as of 2024.

The Korean War showed that World War II-era piston-engine transports, Fairchild C-119 Flying Boxcars, Douglas C-47 Skytrains, and Curtiss C-46 Commandos, were no longer adequate. On 2 February 1951, the United States Air Force issued a General Operating Requirement for a new transport to Boeing, Douglas, Fairchild, Lockheed, Martin, Chase Aircraft, North American, Northrop, and Airlifts Inc. The new transport would have a capacity of 92 passengers, 72 combat troops or 64 paratroopers in a cargo compartment that was approximately 41 ft long, 9 ft high, and 10 ft wide. Unlike transports derived from passenger airliners, it was to be designed specifically as a combat transport with loading from a hinged loading ramp at the rear of the fuselage. A notable advance for large aircraft was the introduction of a turboprop power-plant, the Allison T56 which was developed for the C-130. Check out this stunning 80s Retro C-130 Hercules T-shirt by Squadron Posters!