The C-130E (serial number 63-7868) on display entered service in April 1964. It had a long career, including extensive service in Southeast Asia during the Vietnam War for both the USAF and Air America. This aircraft was retired in September 2011 after being in service for 47 years.
Lockheed C-130E
Hercules
Originally designed by Lockheed as an assault transport capable of operating from unpaved airstrips, the C-130 Hercules made its first flight in August 1954. Over the next half century, the USAF used various versions of this versatile aircraft for aeromedical evacuation, mid-air refueling of helicopters, mid-air space capsule recovery, search and rescue, reconnaissance, as a gunship, and for many other missions.