scurvy wrote:
Has anyone on this forum got first hand experience of flying the c130's - for the military or in commercial applications? I am doing some research on what sort of runways can accommodate them - length, surface, etc etc. Any assistance appreciated.
Hi scurvy.
I have seen photos of the Hercs landing on normal runways as well as dirt & grass strips also ice.
https://gizmodo.com/the-c-130-hercules- ... 1674188853One has landed and took off from an American aircraft carrier USS Forrestal for trials. Link to a video of this feat is attached below. Watch the video on U tube from time 0.33 'The C-130 Hercules holds the record for the largest and heaviest aircraft to land on an aircraft carrier. In October and November 1963, a USMC KC-130F (BuNo 149798), bailed to the US Naval Air Test Center, made 21 unarrested landings and take-offs on the USS Forrestal at a number of different weights. The pilot, LT (later RADM) James Flatley III, USN, was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for his participation. The tests were highly successful, but the idea was considered too risky for routine "Carrier Onboard Delivery" (COD) operations. Instead, the C-2 Greyhound was developed as a dedicated COD aircraft. (The Hercules used in the test, most recently in service with Marine Aerial Refueler Squadron 352 (VMGR-352) until 2005, is now part of the collection of the National Museum of Naval Aviation at NAS Pensacola, Florida.)':
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ar-poc38C84Hope this gives some idea as to landing and take off performances and where they can operate to and from.