Lockheed RC-130 Hercules

The Lockheed RC-130 Hercules are retired variants of the C-130 Hercules, designed for photographic or electronic reconnaissance missions.Francillon 1982, p. 347-373

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 Air Force

See also

References

Bibliography Francillon, René. Lockheed Aircraft since 1913. London: Putnam, 1982. .