lockheed c-130a hercules

Back in early August I received an email that stated, "I came across your photos and really enjoyed the work!  I am looking to do a shoot for an aircraft listing in Tucson next week."  I was interested, did a little research, I found that the email came from Sovereign Warbird Brokerage, and it was at this time I wanted to find out more from the person that sent the email.  It turned out that the aircraft to be listed was a 1954 Lockheed C-130A Hercules that was stored in one of the storage yards just outside Davis-Monthan Air Force Base.  The following week, Ry and I found ourselves heading down to Tucson to take some photos, and visit a good friend for dinner.

I had seen this "Roman Nose" Hercules in storage before, and I found myself a bit excited to have the opportunity to photograph her both inside and out.  While doing research for this photo shoot, I found that this could very well be the very last surviving "Roman Nose" Lockheed C-130A Hercules in existence.  We arrived at the specific storage yard where the C-130A was, signed in, and were escorted out to the aircraft.  It was pretty impressive to see all the aircraft being stored here.  This storage facility has established itself as one of the more diversified spare parts companies in the industry, and has a record of supplying, overhauling, and manufacturing aircraft parts.  As you walk through their yard, you can see how they are able to achieve their mission.  Once at the Hercules, I took all of the outside photos and then made my way inside to take the interior and cockpit photos.  It was very hot inside, and who knows how long she has been sitting locked up under the Arizona sun.  It was very cool to be able to see the inside of such an old Hercules.  I have flown on C-130Js a few times, and while this was similar in layout, it was nothing like the advanced systems in the J-models.

Once we were done with the photography, we made our way to one of our favorite restaurants, the Trident Grill, to have dinner with a good friend.  The dinner and conversation were great, the company was even better.  Thank you, Ned, for taking time out of your busy schedule to meet Ry and I for dinner.

Here is what Sovereign Warbird Brokerage has to say about this aircraft, including a brief history.  And, if you're interested, a link to their listing (1954 Lockheed C-130A Hercules).

This Lockheed C-130A, tail number 54-1632, is a distinguished member of the Hercules family, which has become one of the most versatile and durable military aircraft in history. She has zero accident history and exceptionally low-time. Delivered to the United States Air Force in 1954, 54-1632 was among the earliest production models of the C-130 series, designed to serve as a tactical airlifter capable of performing a wide range of missions.

54-1632 was converted into a photo reconnaissance ship as a RC-130A, fitted with specialized camera equipment for aerial photography and specialized missions. This new role involved low-stress flying, further preserving the integrity of its airframe.

After its active service concluded, 54-1632 was converted back to a C130A by Hayes International, prepared and placed into "mothball" storage in Arizona up to USAF specifications. The aircraft’s low operational hours, coupled with the dry climate of Arizona, have kept it in remarkably good condition, both inside and out. In 2019, a thorough inspection by a C130 maintenance and restoration expert confirmed that nothing beyond routine inspections and renewals with some minor part replacements (hoses, tires, etc.) is needed to get this complete aircraft back in the air.

With a return to flight plan already made, six months of dedicated work is all 54-1632 would need to once again take to the skies, fully capable of hauling cargo or performing aerial firefighting missions for years to come.

Today, 54-1632 stands as a testament to Lockheed's engineering excellence, offering a combination of historical significance and future operational potential. Her story is yet to be written.

lockheed c-130a hercules

lockheed c-130a hercules

A huge thanks to Sovereign Warbird Brokerage for trusting us after only seeing our online portfolio!  I hope that we can work together again in the future.