TheLockheed C-130 Herculesis a four-engineturbopropmilitary transport aircraftdesigned and built originally byLockheed, nowLockheed Martin. Capable of using unpreparedrunwaysfor takeoffs and landings, the C-130 was originally designed as a troop,medical evacuation, and cargo transport aircraft. The versatileairframehas found uses in a variety of other roles, including as agunship(AC-130), forairborne assault,search and rescue, scientific research support, weather reconnaissance,aerial refueling, maritime patrol, andaerial firefighting. It is now the maintactical airlifterfor many military forces worldwide. Over 40 models and variants of the Hercules serve with more than 60 nations.