The first production Hercules to be built, following two YC-130 prototypes, made its maiden flight on 7.4.55 as a C-130A with the original blunt nose. The left wing burned off after a fuel leak on her third flight, but repaired. Converted to AC-130A gunship in 11.67, serving with a number of units in Vietnam (hit by a 37mm shell in 1971). Seen here in service with the 711th SOS; after withdrawal from duty in 1995, placed on permanent display at the USAF Armament Museum, Eglin AFB
This photo is copyright © Richard Vandervord, and may not be used or published in any way without permission.
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