USAF Transports

Aircraft of the United States' Military Air Transport Service
Formed at the start of the "Cold War" era, the Military Air Transport Service (MATS) sprung out of the newly-created United States Air Force to serve the U.S. military throughout the world. From the Berlin Airlift to Vietnam, MATS crews and aircraft were found at every "hot spot," and MATS represented a golden era for the United States Air Force.
As well as the history of the service in general, Williams provides in-depth coverage of each type of aircraft operated. A superb selection of photographs in high quality, large-format reproduction accents the text.

Lockheed C-130 Hercules
This is a very interesting book about an exceptional airplane. So many books have been written about the C-130, both the military and commercial versions, that it's difficult to come up with a new way of doing it. Mr. Smith has done just that. He covers every single variant of the airplane and freely uses the msn (manufacturer's serial number) of particular Hercs; a feature missing from most other books about this airplane. Although there are quite a few errors in the background of some of the many different models and the companies operating the commercial models, a redeeming factor is the many, never before published photos. In a book of this magnitude, it's almost impossible to have it 100% correct. A must for any Herc enthusiast.

C-130 Hercules
Discusses the history of the C-130 Hercules transport plane and its use in military campaigns as well as civilian missions, such as studying weather, controlling fires, and supporting researchers in Antarctica.

 

Giant Cargo Planes
Measuring up to five stories in height and equaling a football field in length, these incredible aircraft are nonetheless capable of short-field landings on unpaved airstrips, unloading enormous payloads in minutes, and blasting off in steep climbs. This full-color review of the largest aircraft in the skies includes action photos and brief histories. The authors also explain how militaries utilize the remarkable size and capabilities of these planes.

The C-130 Hercules primarily performs the tactical portion of the airlift mission. The aircraft is capable of operating from rough, dirt strips and is the prime transport for air dropping troops and equipment into hostile areas. The C-130 operates throughout the U.S. Air Force, serving with Air Mobility Command (stateside based), Air Force Special Operations Command, theater commands, Air National Guard and the Air Force Reserve Command, fulfilling a wide range of operational missions in both peace and war situations. Basic and specialized versions of the aircraft airframe perform a diverse number of roles, including airlift support, Antarctic ice resupply, aeromedical missions, weather reconnaissance, aerial spray missions, fire-fighting duties for the U.S. Forest Service and natural disaster relief missions.

The C-17 Globemaster III is the newest, most flexible cargo aircraft to enter the airlift force. The C-17 is capable of rapid strategic delivery of troops and all types of cargo to main operating bases or directly to forward bases in the deployment area. The aircraft is also capable of performing tactical airlift and airdrop missions when required. The inherent flexibility and performance of the C-17 force improve the ability of the total airlift system to fulfill the worldwide air mobility requirements of the United States.

The ultimate measure of airlift effectiveness is the ability to rapidly project and sustain an effective combat force close to a potential battle area. Threats to U.S. interests have changed in recent years, and the size and weight of U.S.-mechanized firepower and equipment have grown in response to improved capabilities of potential adversaries. This trend has significantly increased air mobility requirements, particularly in the area of large or heavy outsize cargo. As a result, newer and more flexible airlift aircraft are needed to meet potential armed contingencies, peacekeeping or humanitarian missions worldwide. The C-17 is capable of meeting today's demanding airlift missions.
 

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