A workhorse of the US military's combat airlift for more than half a century, the C-130 tactical transport aircraft has supported a wide range of missions, from combat to rescue.

It continues to serve a key role in carrying personnel and supplies around the world.

The American-made C-130 was designed to transport troops and equipment with the ability to takeoff and land on short, unprepared runways -- from Himalayan airstrips to even aircraft carriers.

The versatile airframe has been produced in more than 70 variants. Seventy countries operate the C-130.

Lockheed Martin has built more than 2,500 C-130s.

This incredibly versatile aircraft has served in combat (as a gunship), airborne assault (delivery of paratroopers), commercial transport, maritime patrol, aerial refueling and search-and-rescue (SAR).

The C-130 has done everything including airdropping supplies, retrieving satellites midair, serving in combat, firefighting and natural disaster relief.

The US Air Force, the US Coast Guard and Canadian air force rely heavily on the C-130.

The latest version is the C-130J Super Hercules. Twenty-five different forces or agencies in 21 nations around the world use the Super Hercules as their airlift.

The C-130 has high fixed wings, tremendous lift capacity and long range. The airframe is so versatile that it has been adapted for use in dozens of variations for special missions.

The C-130 can be rapidly reconfigured for various types of cargo and can bring oversized items on through its loading ramp, as well as food. It can accommodate utility helicopters, armored vehicles, palletized cargo or military personnel. It can airdrop palletized cargo loads up to 42,000 pounds (19,050kg).

For personnel transport, it can carry 92 passengers or 72 combat troops. In a paratrooper assault role, it can deliver 64 paratroopers and equipment.

Made for versatility

The US Air Force's AC-130 gunship variant is set up for long-endurance, close air support. These missions can include supporting troops in combat, escorting convoys or coordinating strikes against pre-planned targets.

The heavily armed AC-130 gunships have side-firing weapons and a sophisticated system of sensors, navigation and fire control. The sensors allow the gunship to visually or electronically identify ground forces and targets. It can aim during extended loitering, day or night, in all weather.

Traditionally, AC-130 gunships have the weapons mounted on the port or left side. They have an aggressive array of weapons, including a 105mm cannon and 25- or 40mm Gatling guns.

The newest AC-130J-model -- the only variant currently in service -- is said to be the most heavily armed gunship in history, with the ability to tout 30mm and 105mm cannons, AGM-176A Griffin missiles, AGM-114 Hellfire missiles and GBU-39 Small Diameter Bombs.

Meanwhile, the HC-130 variant, called the "Combat King," is an extended-range version of the C-130 designed to conduct recovery operations from austere airfields and denied territory. The Air Force has used this variant since 1959; the US Coast Guard, since 2002.

The HC-130 can fly in contested or sensitive environments, both over land and over water. HC-130s often perform tactical airdrops of special force teams, small bundles, zodiac watercraft or four-wheel drive all-terrain vehicles.

The aircraft is also a key part of the US military's refueling. HC-130s can perform helicopter air-to-air refueling -- including at night, with blacked-out communication with up to two simultaneous helicopters -- a key capability that also extends the range for combat SAR (CSAR).

The latest model for the US Coast Guard, the HC-130J Super Hercules, specializes in maritime patrols, SAR and CSAR. The Coast Guard uses these aircraft as an on-scene command and control platform for surveillance. It has the ability to detect and classify objects and share information with operational forces.

Additionally, the KC-130J is the latest variant for the US Marine Corps. The multi-mission aircraft provides assault support to ground forces, including air transport, aerial delivery, battlefield illumination and close air support.

It is also key for refueling: it can provide air-to-air refueling and aviation-delivered ground refueling.

The C-130 and its many variants are equipped for excellence, ready to serve in cargo carriage, air assault, SAR, aerial refueling or maritime patrol.