Everyone knows the Hercules – even those who are unaware of its C-130 military designation know exactly what it is for and what it does, this bulky, squat, but lovable aircraft with the reassuring friendly face of a seal pup and whaled tail. In RAF circles it goes by the name of ‘Fat Albert’ and in Vietnam it soon earned sardonic affection as the ‘trash and ass hauler’ – at least, that’s what the ‘fast movers’ called it. Its reputation was such that one US colonel pro* claimed that it was the only airplane of which it could be said that if it had been grounded, then the war would have ended. Universally this ‘Mr Dependable’ is fondly referred to as the ‘Herky Bird. In the twenty years since the Vietnam War this priceless aircraft has written its own chapter in aviation history as the world’s most successful military airlifter. For when military cargo and heavy equip-ment have to he delivered into trouble zones – or soldiers and paratroops, or people, relief supplies and medical aid, or if the need to be evacuated from war and famine, then the success of the operation depends on this immensely reliable and versatile airlifter. When there are labours to be done, whether they be military support or international relief, the Hercules is usually there, swirling the dust in the middle of desert wastes, being put down on a remote jungle strip, or landing on bomb-scarred runways at war-ravaged airports, delivering cargo or airdropping supplies.
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