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

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.