August 23rd, 1954; the Four Fan Trash Can, The Vibrator, Bugsmasher, Bleed Air Blimp, HerkyBird, Spooky, also known as Lockheed YC-130 Hercules first took flight!
A four-engine turboprop military transport aircraft designed and built by Lockheed, and capable of utilizing unprepared runways for takeoffs and landings, the C-130 was originally designed as a troop, medevac, and cargo transport aircraft. The versatile airframe has found uses in a variety of other roles, including as a gunship (AC-130), for airborne assault, search and rescue, Marine Patrol, scientific research support, weather reconnaissance, aerial refueling, maritime patrol, and aerial firefighting, and Hurricane Hunting.
It is now the main tactical airlifter for many military forces worldwide. Over forty variants and versions of the Hercules, including a civilian one marketed as the Lockheed L-100, operate in more than 60 nations.
Highway Patrol Officer: Sounds like you've got straight pipes. You know that's illegal, right? Me: You're welcome to take a look..
American Sycamore 393" in circumference, and around 80' tall. It is in Pennsylvania west of Philadelphia.
23 August (1948)
McDonnell test pilot Edwin Foresman Schoch was assigned to the project, riding in the XF-85 while it was stowed aboard the EB-29B, before attempting a "free" flight on 23 August 1948. After Schoch was released from the bomber at a height of 20,000 ft (6,000 m), he completed a 10-minute proving flight at speeds between 180 and 250 mph (290–400 km/h), testing controls and maneuverability. When he attempted a hook-up, it became obvious the Goblin was extremely sensitive to the bomber's turbulence, as well as being affected by the air cushion created by the two aircraft operating in close proximity. Constant but gentle adjustments of throttle and trim were necessary to overcome the cushioning effect. After three attempts to hook onto the trapeze, Schoch miscalculated his approach and struck the trapeze so violently that the canopy was smashed and ripped free and his helmet and mask were torn off. He saved the prototype by making a belly landing on the reinforced skid at the dry lake bed at Muroc.[N 6] All flight testing was suspended for seven weeks while the XF-85 was repaired and modified. Schoch used the down period to undertake a series of problem-free dummy dockings with a Lockheed P-80 Shooting Star fighter.