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Berkshire County This program is supported in parts by Grants from the Local Cultural Councils of Northern Berkshire, Pittsfield, Dalton, Sheffield, Hinsdale-Peru, Richmond, Egremont-Alford, Windsor, Lee, Stockbridge, Sandisfield, Tyringham, and Washington Local Cultural Councils, local agencies supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency."

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Lockheed C-130 "Hercules"

In terms of versatility and reliability, the Lockheed C-130 "Hercules" is a exceptional aircraft. Designed in 1951 as a basic combat support transport, over (2,000) C-130 aircraft have been manufactured with many being retrofitted for numerous roles as airborne tactical communication centers, powerful gunships, naval anti-submarine service, a VIP transport, in photo, weather and electronic reconnaissance, for remote Arctic and Antarctica service, NASA and military search and recovery, drone control and missile tracking, for in-flight refueling of helicopters, special avionic development, plus clandestine operations. First flown in August 1954, its usage has been extensive in all areas of the world during the Cold War, Vietnam and Desert Storm. After 46 years, the C-130 "Hercules" continues to be manufactured for U.S Naval, Coast Guard and Air Force service.

Powered by (4) 4,500 hp turboprop engines, it has a maximum air speed of 375 mph and a range of 2,500 miles. To maximize cargo space it's wing is mounted high on the fuselage and has a hydraulically operated rear loading ramp. The ramp when closed, causes the fuselage to abruptly have a 45 degree uplift toward the tail enabling a nose up take-off from short air strips. The ramp can be operated in flight allowing delivery of paratroopers, air dropped cargo skids and notedly in Vietnam dropped 16 ton, "Daisy Busters" bombs, blasting Landing Zones "Lz's" in the jungle canopy for U.S. Army Infantry Assault Helicopters.

All screens best viewed in 800x600 resolution and utilize a  progressive JPEG  format. Photos are encoded with copyright, and information in Adobe Photoshop Info File.

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Christy Butler **** www.shoeboxphotos.net **** **** butts@bcn.net