From the Manufacturer
The Blue Angels, a U.S. Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron was formed to enhance the Navy and Marine Corps. It started in 1946 and is known as the first officially sanctioned military aerial demonstration team in the world. The Blue Angels fly three aircrafts in formation first and then four and now six per show. With the aerobatic stunts they perform, the group became known worldwide. The team was first led by Lt. Cdr. Voris. The team also operates a Marine Corps C-139T Hercules known as “Fat Albert”. It was designed to transport 25,000lbs of equipment and 45 personnel from one air show to another. As soon as Fat Albert arrives in the site, it is prepared for its dynamic demonstration. The widely known demonstration of Fat Albert is the JATO or Jet Assisted Take-Off. Whenever the aircraft sets off for a highspeed flat pass the words “United States Marine Corps” embossed across the Fat Albert’s skin is seen from below. The Fat Albert has the privilege to open each Blue Angel performance with its great demonstration flight. It is said to be operated by the US Marine Corps and its crew only consisted of USMC personnel.
Product Description
The Lockheed C-130 Hercules is a four-engine turboprop military transport aircraft designed and built originally by Lockheed, now Lockheed Martin. Capable of using unprepared runways for takeoffs and landings, the C-130 was originally designed as a troop, medical evacuation, and cargo transport aircraft. The versatile airframe has found uses in a variety of 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 the main tactical airlifter for many military forces worldwide. Over 40 models and variants of the Hercules serve with more than 60 nations.
During its years of service, the Hercules family has participated in countless military, civilian and humanitarian aid operations. The family has the longest continuous production run of any military aircraft in history. In 2007, the C-130 became the fifth aircraft-after the English Electric Canberra, B-52 Stratofortress, Tupolev Tu-95, and KC-135 Stratotanker-to mark 50 years of continuous use with its original primary customer, in this case, the United States Air Force. The C-130 is also the only military aircraft to remain in continuous production for 50 years with its original customer, as the updated C-130J Super Hercules.