The C-130 is by far the most widely used tactical cargo plane of the last forty years. Notwithstanding its age no real replacement has been built so far. Therefore the four-engine Loockheed Aircraft continues to serve in many different functions with more than fifty Air Forces around the world. Continuous up- dating of its electronic equipment and in some cases stuctural changes of the fuselage are extending the life span of this most successful military cargo aircraft. Its characteristic sturdiness and reliability have once again been demonstrated during the Gulf War Operations of Desert Shield and Desert Storm.