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Hercules.

The airlifter that keeps acting newer and newer.

Outside Hercules looks much as it did when it first rolled off production lines. Inside it acts like new.

You begin with a simple functional airframe that is almost timeless in its capability to handle airlift missions. Then you improve the operating and avionics systems every chance you get.

The result: the world’s most modern tactical and country-building airlifter. An airlifter so sturdy and functional that seven nations reordered it in 1974 and three others chose it for the first time. The high Hercules wing lets the cargo floor almost hug the ground for fast loading and unloading. Sturdy landing gear lets Hercules go where the cargo is needed. Hercules lands on short dirt, sand, gravel or snowy runways. The huge 9’ X 10’ rear cargo opening lets bulldozers and trucks roll out, fully assembled and ready to go to work.

Inside that simple airframe, all Hercules’ systems have been improved. The 1975 Hercs, for example, will have new radar, air conditioning and auxiliary power systems.

Since Hercules first flew, the range has gone from 1,600 to 2,800 nautical miles. Payload has been increased from 30,000 pounds to 45,000 pounds, and even 50,000 pounds on some models.

And 37 nations have chosen this timeless airlifter.

Lockheed Hercules