The Lockheed C-130 Hercules is a 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, medical evacuation, and cargo transport aircraft.
The versatile airframe has found uses in a variety of other roles, including as a gunship (AC-130), for airborne assault, search and rescue, scientific research support, weather reconnaissance, aerial refueling, maritime patrol, and aerial firefighting. It is now the main tactical airlifter for many military forces worldwide. Over 40 models and variants of the Hercules serve with more than 60 nations. (source: wiki)
This is the Toys 'R' Us exclusive True Heroes AB-115 Shark Plane which looks very much like the Lockheed C-130 Hercules. This set comes complete with a gigantic plane with free-spinning wheels and propellers, side-mounted machine gun ports, an internal command center and light-and-sound action. Some accessories and 3 action figures are also included. Scroll down to see the rest of the pictures and click on them for bigger and better views :)
The Toys 'R' Us exclusive True Heroes AB-115 Shark Plane features: Wingspan of 34 inches with free-spinning wheels and propellers, side-mounted machine gun ports and a command center; Two options for light-and-sound action to simulate firepower (3 button-cell batteries are included); Top handle for easy transport. Weight: 8 lbs (pounds)
The C-130 entered service with U.S. in the 1950s, followed by Australia and others. During its years of service, the Hercules family has participated in countless military, civilian and humanitarian aid operations. The family has the longest continuous production run of any military aircraft in history.
In 2007, the C-130 became the fifth aircraft—after the English Electric Canberra, Boeing B-52 Stratofortress, Tupolev Tu-95, and Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker—to mark 50 years of continuous use with its original primary customer, in this case, the United States Air Force. The C-130 is also the only military aircraft to remain in continuous production for 50 years with its original customer, as the updated C-130J Super Hercules.
The Lockheed C-130 Hercules has also been featured in many films, most recently seen in The Dark Knight and The Dark Knight Rises which makes it a star of its own ;p
The Lockheed C-130 Hercules is an amazing workhorse and so versatile. It holds a special meaning for me because it was the first plane I ever flew in :) Back in my NS days, we had to rely on military transport when we went overseas for training. At that time, commercial flights were not an option. What a trip it was for me! My first flight ever was on the military Charlie-130. Noisy and no flight stewardesses to ogle but the first feeling of being lifted up off the ground is unforgettable.
This Toys 'R' Us exclusive True Heroes AB-115 Shark Plane (which resembles the Lockheed C-130 Hercules) comes with opening doors and ramp as well
The wing can be removed to reveal the plane interior with an internal command center and side-mounted machine gun ports
Here are some size comparison pictures with the G.I. Joe Warthog A.I.F.V. (Amphibious Infantry Fighting Vehicle)
See the line-up of other G.I. Joe vehicles in my August 9, 2009 post
HERE
