Media and spectators gather around a newly built Lockheed MC-130J Super Hercules Commando II. Lockheed Martin held a news conference at its factory to mark the 60th anniversary of its military transport plane, the C-130 Hercules, on Tuesday, April 7, in Marietta, Georgia. The C-130 family of planes is the longest continuously produced military plane in history. Click through the gallery to see more photos.
Longest continuously produced military plane in history —
Media and spectators gather around a newly built Lockheed MC-130J Super Hercules Commando II. Lockheed Martin held a news conference at its factory to mark the 60th anniversary of its military transport plane, the C-130 Hercules, on Tuesday, April 7, in Marietta, Georgia. The C-130 family of planes is the longest continuously produced military plane in history. Click through the gallery to see more photos.
John Nowak/CNN
One of the few changes made to the iconic C-130 aircraft since its introduction 60 years ago is the modification of its propellers, which have been upgraded to six blades from the original four. The new blades are made with lightweight composite materials, allowing the plane to fly more efficiently.
Six-blade composite propellers —
One of the few changes made to the iconic C-130 aircraft since its introduction 60 years ago is the modification of its propellers, which have been upgraded to six blades from the original four. The new blades are made with lightweight composite materials, allowing the plane to fly more efficiently.
John Nowak/CNN
Lockheed Martin pilot Steve Knoblock points out features inside the cockpit of the MC-130J Super Hercules Commando II.
MC-130J Commando II —
Lockheed Martin pilot Steve Knoblock points out features inside the cockpit of the MC-130J Super Hercules Commando II.
John Nowak/CNN
The new MC-130J cockpit includes updated digital displays offering pilots easy access to information about speed, altitude, location, weather and other key data.
Digital cockpit —
The new MC-130J cockpit includes updated digital displays offering pilots easy access to information about speed, altitude, location, weather and other key data.
John Nowak/CNN
The Commando II includes wing-mounted refueling tanks like this one on the right, which enable MC-130Js to refuel special operations forces helicopters while in flight.
Helicopter in-flight refueling —
The Commando II includes wing-mounted refueling tanks like this one on the right, which enable MC-130Js to refuel special operations forces helicopters while in flight.
John Nowak/CNN
The MC-130J's cargo ramp allows loading and unloading from the rear of the plane.
Cargo ramp —
The MC-130J's cargo ramp allows loading and unloading from the rear of the plane.
John Nowak/CNN
Lockheed loadmaster Lucky Madsen stands inside the cargo hold of the MC-130J. The floor can be quickly and easily converted from a flat surface to a floor embedded with rollers. The rollers allow cargo to be easily moved and unloaded from the plane.
Cargo hold —
Lockheed loadmaster Lucky Madsen stands inside the cargo hold of the MC-130J. The floor can be quickly and easily converted from a flat surface to a floor embedded with rollers. The rollers allow cargo to be easily moved and unloaded from the plane.
John Nowak/CNN
An emergency exit inside the cargo hold of the MC-130J.
Emergency exit —
An emergency exit inside the cargo hold of the MC-130J.
John Nowak/CNN
Because of the plane's long-range capability, it features a galley where crews can prepare food. Lockheed has installed microwave ovens inside newer versions of the C-130. Previous models were equipped with convection ovens.
The Super Hercules galley —
Because of the plane's long-range capability, it features a galley where crews can prepare food. Lockheed has installed microwave ovens inside newer versions of the C-130. Previous models were equipped with convection ovens.
John Nowak/CNN
During a christening ceremony, Georgia Gov. Nathan Deal smashes a bottle of Chattahoochee River water across the nose of the MC-130J Super Hercules at the Lockheed Martin factory. Water was used instead of the traditional champagne in honor of former Gov. Marvin Griffin, a teetotaler who used river water to christen the first C-130 to come off the assembly line in 1955.
Christening —
During a christening ceremony, Georgia Gov. Nathan Deal smashes a bottle of Chattahoochee River water across the nose of the MC-130J Super Hercules at the Lockheed Martin factory. Water was used instead of the traditional champagne in honor of former Gov. Marvin Griffin, a teetotaler who used river water to christen the first C-130 to come off the assembly line in 1955.
John Nowak/CNN