Aircraft

C-130 Hercules

IAR owns and operates a fleet of Lockheed C-130 Hercules aircraft. We have over 25 years of experience operating our C-130s around the world for a diverse array of clients. Several of our Hercules aircraft are modified to perform various specialty missions including:

  • Aerial Spraying
  • Aerial Firefighting
  • Airdrop
  • Aerial Research & Development
  • Aerial Refueling

About the C-130

The C-130 Hercules is widely recognized as the most successful and versatile large utility aircraft ever built. Its four turboprop engines, large straight wing, and multitude of cockpit windows provide it with an unmatched level of safety, agility, and efficiency. The configuration of the Hercules can be changed quickly, even in remote environments, to accommodate various types of missions. It can operate from more airfields than any other aircraft of similar size due to its high wing and light “footprint” which prevents its landing gear from sinking into unhardened surfaces commonly encountered at unimproved strips and small airports. Its low cargo floor and rear loading ramp provide ease of loading and unloading with true roll-on / roll-off (RORO) capability. The fully pressurized and climate controlled cargo compartment can accommodate heavy oversized payloads that won’t fit in other aircraft.

Over 2,300 C-130s have been built since its inception and it is still in production today. The Hercules is currently flown by more than 60 nations around the world.

c-130 Hercules aircraft

C-130 Fleet Support

C-130 fleet support is provided at IAR’s 67,000 ft2 Maintenance, Repair, & Overhaul (MRO) facility located on the Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport (KIWA) in Mesa, Arizona USA. IAR is a Part 145 Certified Repair Station for all models of the C-130 (certificate # 9IRR566C). IAR provides Hercules operators with all aspects of scheduled and unscheduled C-130 support including:

  • Line Maintenance
  • “A”, “B”, and “C” Checks
  • Heavy Maintenance Visits
  • Structural Inspections
  • Non-Destructive Inspections
  • Modifications and Upgrades (Design, Installation, & Certification)
  • Mobile Maintenance Support for Aircraft Away from Home
  • Return-to-Service Following Long-Term Storage

IAR owns a large inventory of spare parts and additional C-130 airframes to ensure uninterrupted Hercules support and service today and for decades to come.

Contact IAR to learn more about our MRO services.

Benefits of Using a C-130 Hercules Aircraft

The C-130 Hercules aircraft is a versatile plane. It can be used for disaster response, military drills, and even commercial purposes. Unlike other aircraft, the C-130 can be retrofitted and customized based on the operator’s needs.

Weather-defying aircraft. The C-130 plane has been used for government operations for disaster relief. With this, it has been proven that this aircraft can withstand any weather, even intense rain and winds.

Versatile. No other aircraft can be retrofitted the way a C-130 can be customized based on the intended use. From aerial firefighting companies to TV production, this aircraft is extremely versatile.

Different altitude and speed. C-130s can fly lower and slower than other aircraft. It can also maneuver in different terrains which makes it an indispensable aircraft for aerial film production.

Larger payload capacity. A C-130 Hercules aircraft can carry up to 42,000 of payload on its cargo area. This is why aerial firefighting companies use this for large chemical dispersals.

aerial film production

C-130 Services Offered by International Air Response

As one of the leading providers of specialized aerial services, IAR offers the following services for both commercial and government purposes:

– Aerial dispersant solution

For oil spill responses, IAR’s aerial dispersant service has been tapped by government authorities multiple times. This type of aerial operation requires a low altitude and low-speed mode of flying. Aside from the big cargo space, an expert flying crew will also be provided by IAR. With IAR’s expertise, you can be assured of a successful aerial dispersant mission.

– TV and movie production

From the famous car drop from Furious 7 to specialized video content, IAR’s C-130 fleet is ready to take on the world of TV production. IAR is FAA certified for aerial film production with a specially trained team for handling TV and film equipment. IAR also has in-house retrofitting personnel to modify the aircraft based on requests.

– Aerial delivery

Aerial delivery procedures are IAR’s specialization. The C-130 fleet of IAR can drop loads from a high altitude of 30,000 feet. This includes relief goods and even large items like cars. Overall, IAR can airdrop payloads of up to 25,000 pounds in its climate-controlled cargo space. The C-130 used for airdrop operations are specially built for such purpose.

– Aerial firefighting

Massive wildfires and explosions need aerial firefighting efforts. IAR has over 30 years of experience in operating C-130s as large air tankers that will deploy fire extinguishing systems. IAR’s deployment method is configured for Precision Container Aerial Delivery System and Retardant Aerial Delivery System. International Air Response also has a flying crew trained to employ such firefighting efforts.

– Aerial research and development

The C-130 aircraft has enough cargo space for climate controlled and pressurized aerial scientific purposes. Retrofitted C-130s have onboard electrical equipment for high and low-altitude operations. From fabrication, installation, and actual testing, IAR has all the required equipment and manpower needed to complete any research and development project.

International Air Response has a fleet of C-130s that are ready for commercial, rescue, rehabilitation, and scientific purposes. With in-house maintenance and retrofitting team, IAR is a one-stop aerial service provider.