Cookies on the Business Insider India website

Business Insider India has updated its Privacy and Cookie policy. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the better experience on our website. If you continue without changing your settings, we\'ll assume that you are happy to receive all cookies on the Business Insider India website. However, you can change your cookie setting at any time by clicking on our Cookie Policy at any time. You can also see our Privacy Policy.

25 photos that show America's most versatile plane can do almost anything

Jeremy BenderFeb 12, 2016, 22:46 IST

A C-130J Hercules assigned to Little Rock Air Force Base, Ark., performs an engine-running offload at Geronimo Landing Zone on Fort Polk, La., Oct 17, 2012.US Air Force

The endlessly flexible Lockheed C-130 Hercules is simply an astounding aircraft that can handle nearly any challenge thrown its way.

Designed against the backdrop of the Korean War, it has been over 60 years since the aircraft's first flight. Despite its age, the plane's airframe continues to be adapted and upgraded for novel uses across the full spectrum of the US military.

From humanitarian rescue to paratrooper airdrops to gunship-type functions, the C-130 airframe is a marvel of ingenuity and versatility.