Philippine Air Force expects to receive in July two more C-130 Hercules military transport aircraft.

According to news published by the Philippine News Agency website, the Philippine Air Force (PAF) will acquire two more American-made Lockheed Martine C-130 "Hercules" cargo aircraft. The new aircraft could be delivered in July 2020.

Follow Air Recognition on Google News at this link

American-made C-130 Hercules of Philippine Air Force. (Picture source Blog Philippine Aviation)

Currently, the Philippine Air Force as four C-130 military transport aircraft including C-130B/H/T variant. The C-130 Hercules is an American-made four-engine turboprop military transport aircraft designed and built originally by Lockheed (now Lockheed Martin). Capable of using unprepared runways for takeoffs and landings, the C-130 was originally designed as a troop, medevac, and cargo transport aircraft.

The C-130 Hercules is capable of operating from rough, dirt strips and is the prime transport for airdropping troops and equipment into hostile areas. The C-130 operates throughout the U.S. Air Force, serving with Air Mobility Command, Air Force Special Operations Command, Air Combat Command, U.S. Air Forces in Europe, Pacific Air Forces, Air National Guard and the Air Force Reserve Command, fulfilling a wide range of operational missions in both peace and war situations. Basic and specialized versions of the aircraft airframe perform a diverse number of roles, including airlift support, Antarctic ice resupply, aeromedical missions, weather reconnaissance, aerial spray missions, firefighting duties for the U.S. Forest Service and natural disaster relief missions.

The C-130 entered service with the U.S. in 1956, followed by Australia and many other nations. During its years of service, the Hercules family has participated in numerous military, civilian and humanitarian aid operations. In 2007, the C-130 became the fifth aircraft to mark 50 years of continuous service with its original primary customer, which for the C-130 is the United States Air Force. The C-130 Hercules is the longest continuously produced military aircraft at over 60 years, with the updated Lockheed Martin C-130J Super Hercules currently being produced.