C-130 Aircraft: Background & Issues for the “Hercules” of the U.S. Airlift Fleet

The national defence strategy of the United States is evolving in response to changing global environments. As Congress responds to these changes, an important aspect is the responsibility for oversight and appropriations for an aging tactical airlift fleet. The United States primary tactical airlift aircraft is the C-130. Nicknamed the Hercules, this venerable aircraft has been the workhorse of U.S. tactical airlift for the past 57 years. The majority of C-130s in the U.S. government are assigned to the U.S. Air Force, but the U.S. Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard also operate sizeable C-130 fleets. The potential concerns for Congress include oversight of and appropriations for an aging C-130 fleet. This book discusses the background of the C-130 aircraft as well as the issues involved.