| Aircraft | |
|---|---|
| Registration / Serial: | 53-3129 |
| Alternate Serial: | 33129 |
| Aircraft Original Type: | Lockheed L-100 Hercules |
| Aircraft Generic Type: | Lockheed C-130 Hercules (L-082/182/282/382) |
| Aircraft Version: | Lockheed AC-130A Hercules (L-182) |
| C/n (msn): | 182-3001 |
| Operator Titles: | USA - Air Force |
| Aircraft Name: | First Lady |
| Location | |
|---|---|
| City / Airport: | Valparaiso / Destin / Fort Walton Beach - Eglin AFBMap |
| Region / Country: | Florida, United States |
| Airport Codes: | ICAO: KVPS IATA: VPS Local: VPS Other: - |
| Collection: | Air Force Armament Museum |
| Photo Date: | 13 December 2024 |
| Photo by: | Richard Vandervord |
| Photo ID: | 769114 |
| Photo Comment |
|---|
|
This is none other than the first production Hercules, which made its maiden flight on 7th April 1955 with blunt nose. Converted to AC-130A gunship in December 1968, serving with a number of units in Vietnam and suffering combat damage. It was not until 1981 that it was modified with four-blade props. After withdrawal from duty with the 711th SOS at Duke Field in 1995, flown to Eglin for preservation in September 1996. My photo here shows it at Duke in 1979 with three-blade props This photo is copyright © Richard Vandervord, and may not be used or published in any way without permission. It was added on 17 January 2025, and has since been viewed 79 times. |