The design of the C-130H Hercules aircraft was created during the Cold War, but it still works perfectly today. The Polish army had two such machines for a long time, but now there are three. It’s safe to say that these are key planes without which air force would not be able to carry out many extremely important missions, not only for Poland, but also for the whole world.
Hercules played a huge role in stabilization activities in Afghanistan or Iraq. It is impossible not to mention here that it was thanks to them that at the beginning of October, when Hamas carried out a rocket attack and invaded Israel, it was possible to quickly and safely evacuate many Poles who could not normally leave the country.
On a daily basis, these large machines allow various formations of the Polish Army to train and carry out special missions. It is no secret that they often host representatives of special forces on missions around the world. Without them it wouldn’t be possible a large landing of soldiers on the battlefield or transport of weapons and equipment.
These planes very often deliver various weapons from NATO countries for the purposes of fighting the war in Ukraine. Their flight can be easily recognized because their engines generate a very low sound, which always attracts attention, regardless of weather conditions. The third plane will join the other two stationed in 33rd Transport Aviation Base in Powidz.
The C-130H from Lockheed Martin has had several improved versions, such as the AC-130, but the original one is the most appreciated. The machine can carry almost 20 tons of cargois approximately 30 meters long and has a 40-meter wingspan. Thanks to the possibility of connecting additional fuel tanks, it can have a huge range considering its dimensions, up to 4,000 kilometers. In flight it can accelerate up to 600 km/h.
Source: geekweek.interia.pl
