What is it like to fly a Lockheed C-130 Hercules (such as Fat Albert from the Blue Angels)? Why is it so beloved as an aircraft by militaries around the world?

Unfortunately, I can't regale with harrowing tales of pooping hummers out the back at 30' or HALO-ing SEALS from 30,000', having never flown the Herc. All of my buddies who've done so thought it was great fun. Even sitting in the cockpit is really cool, with windows all over the place. I will say that spending 7 hours in the back can be tiring. The "seats" were nylon strapping and the incessant humming could only have been made worse if it had stopped suddenly.

What I have done, though, is tour the plant where every one of the 2300+ C-130s have been built. It's the Lockheed facility adjacent to Dobbins Air Reserve Base in Marietta, GA, just a bit NW of Atlanta. It's an amazing place where they also put together the F-22.

Militaries love the utilitarian ruggedness and versatility. From hauling water to distant villages to pumping out the wrath of god (as long as you're in a left turn), the plane can do anything and go anywhere.

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Tim Hibbetts on Quora:

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