4. Lockheed HC-130 Hercules
Lieutenant Colonel Edgar Allison, USAF, set the world record for longest circle without landing in a prop plane like the Hercules in 1972. He flew 8,732 miles from an air base in Taiwan to Scott AFB in Illinois. His record still stands over 40 years later.
A variety of models of Hercules aircraft fly today, produced by Lockheed Martin since 1959. Most notably suited for search and rescue operations thanks to its long-range abilities, the HC-130 can also serve as an aerial refueling vessel.
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The concept of refueling while in flight is a marvel. So far, only military vessels refuel while in the air. This tactic has helped save tons of time and money in large-scale operations. Many of the Hercules’ refueling targets are other search and rescue vessels such as helicopters.
Some HC-130s are used to drop paratroops and para-rescue forces as well as maritime rescue. The HC-130H is also used to extinguish forest fires. They really are saviors of the skies.
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