IAF's tireless C-130 Hercules sets new record for longest non-stop flight

NEW DELHI: The Indian Air Force's C-130 Super Hercules plane has set a new record for longest non-stop flight, the IAF said.

The Hercules carried out a grueling 13-hour-31-minute non-stop flight, setting not only an IAF record but also globally, it said in a tweet.

“The team got airborne at first light on Nov 18 and landed only at 6:31 pm. This required great courage, skill and strength on part of the team,” it added.

The C-130 Hercules is a four-engine turboprop military transport aircraft designed and built by Lockheed. IAF had bought 13 C-130 from the US.

The first six planes were inducted at the Hindon airbase, while the rest will be part of the squadron at Panagarh in West Bengal.

The versatile C-130, originally designed as a troop and cargo transport aircraft, is capable of using unprepared runways for takeoffs and landings.

It is now used in a variety of roles, including as a gunship for airborne assault, search and rescue missions, scientific research support, weather reconnaissance, aerial refueling and maritime patrol.

The aircraft is also being used as a tactical air-lifter by many military forces worldwide.

The C-130 comes in more than 40 versions, including a civilian one marketed as Lockheed L-100, which operates in more than 60 nations.