HC-130H Hercules USCG

The C-130 Hercules is one of only five aircraft in the world to have a service record greater than 50 years, and the only general transport aircraft among those five. First introduced in December, 1956, the C-130 has served as the primary tactical airlift transport for the American military and the militaries of many other nations besides. The aircraft takes great advantage of its ability to land on and take off from unprepared airstrips, an ability that greatly expands its capabilities. Modifications to the airframe have brought the aircraft to a huge variety of other roles, including aerial firefighting, mid-air refueling, and airborne fire-support (as a gunship). The C-130 family of aircraft has seen extensive worldwide service in military, civilian, and humanitarian aid roles, and is still widely used today.

The HC-130H, depicted here, is a long-range search-and-rescue aircraft, used by several U.S. military units, including the Coast Guard whose colors this unit is painted in. Painstaking attention to detail and quality construction make this model a must-have for any enthusiast or collector.