U.S. Air Force JTF-2 Lockheed C-130A Hercules

Additional Information:

The Lockheed C-130 Hercules is an American four-engine turboprop military transport aircraft designed and built by the Lockheed Corporation (now Lockheed Martin). Capable of using unprepared runways for takeoffs and landings, the C-130 was originally designed as a troop, medivac, and cargo transport aircraft. The versatile airframe has found uses in other roles, including as a gunship (AC-130), for airborne assault, search and rescue, scientific research support, weather reconnaissance, aerial refueling, maritime patrol, and aerial firefighting. It is now the main tactical airlifter for many military forces worldwide. More than 40 variants of the Hercules, including civilian versions marketed as the Lockheed L-100, operate in more than 60 nations.

The C-130 Hercules entered service with the United States Air Force (USAF) in 1956 and during its decades of service, the Hercules has participated in numerous military, civilian and humanitarian aid operations. In 2007, the Hercules became the fifth aircraft to mark 50 years of continuous service with its original primary customer, the US Air Force. The C-130 is the longest continuously produced military aircraft at more than 60 years, with the updated Lockheed Martin C-130J Super Hercules being produced as of 2023.

A Joint Task Force is a “joint” (multi-service) ad hoc military formation. The task force concept originated with the United States Navy in the 1920s and 1930s. In September of 1964, Major General George Brown was selected to organize and command JTF-2, a Joint Chiefs of Staff organization formed at Sandia Army Base in Albuquerque New Mexico, to test the services’ weapon systems. The Low Altitude Program nuclear test organization operated from 1965 to 1970 and was staffed by personnel from all three services.

The Joint Task Force-2 based at Sandia Army Base used four of the specially equipped Hercules for evaluation of the low altitude penetration capability of several military aircraft beginning in 1965. Electronic equipment aboard these aircraft tracked the test aircraft and recorded flight path information. The C-130 aircraft documented at Sandia Base participating in JTF-2 include aircraft numbers 33387, 050022, 00299 and 60539.

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