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How to tailor an airlifter to your own needs.

You want a big cargo compartment.

And a big cargo opening

All models of Hercules have big compartments and big openings that are 10 feet wide and 9 feet high. Fully assembled trucks and bulldozers can drive down Hercules' low rear ramp, ready to go to work

You want a freight-shaped cargo compartment.

An airlifter should be shaped for cargo. A circular cargo compartment wastes too much space. All models of Hercules have freight-shaped cargo compartments.

You want sturdy landing gear

Some cargo planes have to be pampered with paved runways. All models of Hercules let you use runways of dirt, sand or gravel. With Hercules you can take the cargo where it's needed.

You want fuel saving

Fuel prices are an ever-growing problem for nations and airlines alike. But those propjet engines of Hercules use far less fuel than the best fanjet engines. They can save users hundreds o f thousands of pounds over the life of each Hercules.

If you need to carry 45,000 pounds or more, if you need to fly up to 2,800 nautical miles

C-130 Hercules

The C-130 Hercules shown above serves as a military airlifter able to carry 45,000 pounds and also as a tanker, maritime patrol plane, search-and-rescue plane and in many other roles.

L-100-20 Hercules

This 'stretched' commercial Hercules has 20% more cargo space than the C-130 Hercules. It's in service around the world.

L-100-30 Hercules

This is the Super Hercules, the largest model now in production. It has 37-40% more cargo space than the L-1OO. It can serve as a cargo plane, as a passenger liner or as a convertible cargo/passenger liner.

If you need to carry less weight or fly shorter distances

L-400 Hercules

Here’s where the twin-engine Hercules can shine. Typical payloads: 22,500 pounds for 550 nautical miles or 15,000 pounds for 1,325 nautical miles. Naturally, it costs less than four-engine models of Hercules. It can go into production when enough orders are received.

What are your airlifter requirements? One of the many models of Hercules probably will match them. When it comes to airlifters, Lockheed knows how.

Lockheed Hercules      1979