The Lockheed RC-130 Hercules are retired variants of the C-130 Hercules, designed for photographic or electronic reconnaissance missions.
Operational history
On 2 September 1958, C-130A-II 56-0528 was shot down after it intruded into Soviet airspace during a reconnaissance mission along the Turkish-Armenian border.
Variants C-130A-II Electronics reconnaissance variant for use by 7407th Combat Support Wing, ten conversions from C-130A. RC-130A Photo reconnaissance variant, one converted from a TC-130A and 15 built new. C-130B-II Electronic reconnaissance variant, 15 converted from C-130B later designated RC-130B. RC-130B Re-designated from C-130B-II, all later converted back to C-130Bs. RC-130S Two JC-130A aircraft were modified with the Battlefield Illumination Airborne System (BIAS) for night search-and rescue missions with the 446th Tactical Airlift Wing.
Former Operators United States United States Air Force
See also
Related development
Lockheed C-130 Hercules – American military transport aircraft Lockheed AC-130 – Gunship aircraft series by Lockheed Lockheed DC-130 – American military UAV carrier Lockheed EC-130 – 1975 electronic warfare aircraft series by Lockheed Lockheed EC-130H Compass Call – Communications jamming aircraft version of the C-130H Hercules Lockheed HC-130 – Search and rescue aircraft version of the C-130 Hercules Lockheed L-100 Hercules – Turboprop transport aircraft Lockheed LC-130 – Ski-equipped military transport aircraft Lockheed Martin C-130J Super Hercules – Military transport aircraft Lockheed Martin KC-130 – Aerial refueling tanker based on Lockheed Martin C-130 Lockheed MC-130 – Special mission military aircraft Lockheed WC-130 – Weather aircraft series by Lockheed
Related lists
List of accidents and incidents involving the Lockheed C-130 Hercules
References
Bibliography Francillon, René. Lockheed Aircraft since 1913. London: Putnam, 1982. ISBN 0-370-30329-6.