Editing Lockheed C-130 Hercules (section)

===Next generation===
{{main|Lockheed Martin C-130J Super Hercules}}

In the 1970s, Lockheed proposed a C-130 variant with [[turbofan]] engines rather than turboprops, but the U.S. Air Force preferred the takeoff performance of the existing aircraft. In the 1980s, the C-130 was intended to be replaced by the [[Advanced Medium STOL Transport]] project. The project was canceled and the C-130 has remained in production.

Building on lessons learned, Lockheed Martin modified a commercial variant of the C-130 into a High Technology Test Bed (HTTB). This test aircraft set numerous short takeoff and landing performance records and significantly expanded the database for future derivatives of the C-130.<ref>[http://www.nasa.gov/centers/langley/news/factsheets/C130.html NASA and Lockheed Martin Partners In C-130 Technology] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130614010311/http://www.nasa.gov/centers/langley/news/factsheets/C130.html |date=14 June 2013}} Retrieved 21 May 2013.</ref> Modifications made to the HTTB included extended chord ailerons, a long chord rudder, fast-acting double-slotted trailing edge flaps, a high-camber wing leading edge extension, a larger dorsal fin and dorsal fins, the addition of three spoiler panels to each wing upper surface, a long-stroke main and nose landing gear system, and changes to the flight controls and a change from direct mechanical linkages assisted by hydraulic boost, to fully powered controls, in which the mechanical linkages from the flight station controls operated only the hydraulic control valves of the appropriate boost unit.<ref>[http://www.lockheedmartin.com/content/dam/lockheed/data/aero/documents/global-sustainment/product-support/Service-News/V12N3.pdf The High Technology Test Bed] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130123150753/http://www.lockheedmartin.com/content/dam/lockheed/data/aero/documents/global-sustainment/product-support/Service-News/V12N3.pdf |date=23 January 2013}} Lockheed Service News Vol. 12 No. 3, September 1985. Retrieved 21 May 2013.</ref>

The HTTB first flew on 19 June 1984, with civil registration of N130X. After demonstrating many new technologies, some of which were applied to the C-130J, the HTTB was lost in a fatal accident on 3 February 1993, at [[Dobbins Air Reserve Base]], in Marietta, Georgia.<ref>{{cite book |last=Norton |first=Bill |title=STOL Progenitors: The Technology Path to a Large STOL Aircraft and the C-17A |year=2002 |publisher=American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics |location=Reston, Virginia |isbn=1-56347-538-3}}</ref> The crash was attributed to disengagement of the rudder fly-by-wire flight control system, resulting in a total loss of rudder control capability while conducting ground minimum control speed tests (Vmcg). The disengagement was a result of the inadequate design of the rudder's integrated actuator package by its manufacturer; the operator's insufficient system safety review failed to consider the consequences of the inadequate design to all operating regimes. A factor that contributed to the accident was the flight crew's lack of engineering flight test training.<ref>[http://aviation-safety.net/database/record.php?id=19930203-1 ASN Aircraft Accident] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130527093323/http://aviation-safety.net/database/record.php?id=19930203-1 |date=27 May 2013}} Retrieved 21 May 2013.</ref>

In the 1990s, the improved [[C-130J Super Hercules]] was developed by Lockheed (later Lockheed Martin). This model is the newest version and the only model in production. Externally similar to the classic Hercules in general appearance, the J model has new turboprop engines, six-bladed propellers, digital avionics, and other new systems.<ref name="DODAppropriations1995">{{cite report |author=United States House Committee on Appropriations |author-link=United States House Committee on Appropriations |title=Department of Defense appropriations for 1995, part 3 |section=C-130 aircraft |section-url=https://hdl.handle.net/2027/uc1.31210014044646?urlappend=%3Bseq=495 |pages=489–491 |hdl=2027/uc1.31210014044646 |isbn=0-16-045949-4 |year=1994 |oclc=1097431953}}</ref>