The Lockheed C-130 Hercules is a four-engine turboprop aircraft that serves as the main tactical airlifter for military forces worldwide. Capable of landing and taking off from short or unprepared runways, it was designed as a troop transport and cargo aircraft, but is now also used for a wide variety of other roles, including airborne assault, weather reconnaissance, aerial refuelling, aerial firefighting and MEDEVAC. More than 40 different models of the Hercules — including several gunships — are used by more than 50 nations.

The C-130 family has the longest continuous production run of any military aircraft in history. During more than 50 years of service, the family has established a solid record of reliability and durability, participating in military, civilian and humanitarian aid operations.