Breaking News – Hobbyking made a massive announcement at HK live in Sydney this week. They will be releasing a super-scale Lockheed C-130 Hercules.
The model is simply stunning and a credit to the AVIOS team. We all wondered what direction AVIOS would take with the new brand manager, Stephen Neill who is based in Australia. Stephen has told us previously, that he is aviation tragic and if this is anything to go by we should brace ourselves as new models are released in 2018 - 2019. If only Kingcraft would release a few more scale balsa models I’d be a very happy camper indeed. 
Hercules is such an iconic aircraft that almost anyone could identify the unique and beautiful lines of this graceful bird. Of course, many have a strong connection and a lot of history with this aircraft. Many have made the ultimate sacrifice for their country and been repatriated on one of these aircraft. Many have been the recipient of humanitarian aid or have been relieved to see the gunship providing air support to push back enemy forces. We could be here all day talking about the C-130 and without a doubt, it’s my favorite aircraft of all time. Could it be the best aircraft of all time? You be the judge and submit your comments below. For the uninitiated, the Lockheed C-130 Hercules is a four-engine turboprop military transport aircraft designed and built originally by Lockheed. One of the main features is the ability to use unprepared runways for takeoffs and landings; the C-130 was originally designed as a troop, medevac, and cargo transport aircraft. The versatility of the aircraft 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 now the main tactical airlifter for many military forces worldwide. More than 40 variants of the Hercules, including a civilian one marketed as the Lockheed L-100, operate in more than 60 nations.
AVIOS C-130 Specs
Ian from Hobbyking flew the C-130 at PEMAC shortly after the big reveal and it's fair to say the model flew very well from a grass strip. Ian must have flown the model half a dozen times, with ease and authority, and was happy to take the model around and answer questions. AVIOS clearly went all-in on this model and they should be very proud of the outcome. I cannot wait for this model and short of giving the firstborn I’d like to know what It would cost to pry one out of their hands.
First Impressions
It is hard to believe this is a foam RC plane and not a Tamiya plastic model kit. This model clearly heralds a new era for AVIOS and reaffirms its commitment to unique offerings that wow the market. I must say, I’m fairly wowed (Not sure if wowed is a word but it is now).
Model Features:
- Scale cockpit
- Fowler flaps
- Split flaps
- Ailerons
- Elevator
- Rudder
- Working tail door
- Scale retracts
- Scale props
- Interior lighting
Sneak Peak
C-130 Taking off and Landing https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=51jLyu4637g
Electrical System
- 18 amp brushless ESC
- 4 brushless outrunner motors
- External UBEC
- 13 Analogue Servos
- Xt60 battery connector
- 4s -2200 3000mah lipo battery
Decal Options
- United States
- Australia
- New Zealand
- United Kingdom
- Netherlands
C-130 History
One plane, many missions. From the beginning, the C-130 has featured a large, unobstructed, fully-pressurized cargo hold that can rapidly be reconfigured for the carriage of troops, stretchers, passengers, or airdrops of troops and/or equipment into battle zones. The C-130’s high-wing design places the cargo floor at the truck-bed height above the ground. The C-130 also features an integral "roll-on/roll-off" rear-loading ramp Coupled with its tremendous lift capacity, long-range, and austere landing field capabilities; it is a true tactical airlifter. The C-130 airframe was immediately recognized for its incredible versatility, prompting it to be quickly adapted for use in supporting special mission requirements.
The first of some 70 different variants - a ski-equipped version for resupplying Distant Early Warning radar sites was initially tested in 1957. An electronic reconnaissance version came soon after. The C-130 entered service with the U.S. in the 1950s, followed by Australia and many other nations. During its years of service, the Hercules family has participated in numerous military, civilian, and humanitarian aid operations. In 2007, the C-130 became the fifth aircraft to mark 50 years of continuous service with its original primary customer, which is the United States Air Force for the C-130.[citation needed] The C-130Hercules is the longest continuously produced military aircraft at over 60 years, with the updated Lockheed Martin C-130J Super Hercules currently being produced. If it wasn't for that iconic nose the c-130 might have just blended in with everything else. She wasn't always this pretty.
Future Models
I must confess that I’m interested to see what they do with the kingcraft range in the coming months. Steve and Ian hinted that there was a balsa warbird coming to the Kingcraft lineup as well as a classic. They would not elaborate any further nor would they offer any hints. Guess I’ll need to tune into the global announcement to find out what they are up to. I for one will be pre-ordering this model as soon as possible and look forward to the release of this model. I cannot wait to see what they release next. Happy Landings In case you missed the full announcement from HobbyKing over the weekend at HobbyKing Live at PEMAC in Sydney, watch below.
