Lockheed C-130 Hercules (L-382/EC-130/QC-130)

RkyFlight 🇺🇸

12 May 2026 · © SSGTRocky

CAL FIRE Tanker 121 (Lockheed C-130 Hercules, N469DA) rests at base, ready for aerial firefighting missions.

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Aircraft

C-130 Hercules (L-382/EC-130/QC-130) L382

Cal Fire aerial firefighting tanker livery (red and white, \"CAL FIRE\" and Tanker 121 markings)

N469DA

Registration

Airline

CAL FIRE

Manufacturer

Lockheed

Gear

iPhone 17 Pro Max

Achievements

Turboprop Tracker, Rare Bird, Vintage Voyager, Livery Legend

4 badges earned

Location

Fresno Yosemite International Airport

FAT/KFAT

36.7758, -119.7180

Open map

Fresno Yosemite International Airport FAT

Airport

Insights

Aviation History

The Lockheed C-130 is one of the most iconic and best-selling military transport/tactical airlift aircraft, widely converted to civilian and aerial firefighting roles. CAL FIRE’s fleet includes a small number of C-130Q and L-382 converted tankers.

Fleet Rarity

Among only a handful of C-130s operated as modular airborne firefighting systems (MAFFS) and specialized tanker configurations, rare in civilian public service.

Record Flights

CAL FIRE C-130 tankers operate on intense wildland/forest fire missions, often flying repeat sorties in extreme conditions for wildfire suppression across California.

Safety & Events

CAL FIRE and US firefighting C-130s have seen a demanding operational schedule during severe wildfires; individual airframes have occasionally experienced hard landings or retardant drop malfunctions but are generally considered robust.

Future Outlook

Active as a vital member of CAL FIRE’s aerial firefighting fleet; likely to continue in service as tankers for years due to ruggedness and effectiveness.

Specifications

Allison T56-A-15 turboprop

Engine

40.41 m

Wingspan

29.79 m

Length

3,800 km (varies by load - as tanker, less)

Range

540 km/h

Speed

Typically 60,000 lbs (27,215 kg) of retardant as a tanker configuration

Capacity

70,307 kg

MTOW

11.66 m

Height

4 × 4,508 kW (6,070 shp)

Thrust

Approximates Stage 3 ICAO standard (~80-88 dB on takeoff)

Noise