JETs Vol. 25-36: NC-130B Hercules

The C-130 is one of the most versatile aircraft in the inventory and has been used by every branch of the United States military. NASA’s NC-130B Hercules N707NA is a special aircraft that was used by NASA before being retired in 2000. 

JETs Vol. 25-36 was cut from a Zeiss RMK A 15/32 aerial camera that was used on NASA 707 while it was part of the NASA Earth Resources program. This aircraft also has the unique distinction of being the only 6 “engine” C-130 ever tested when it was used for STOL research at NASA Ames. We acquired the camera directly from NASA Ames Research Center. 

We are releasing the NC-130 along side the EP-X as these aircraft have a unique connection. When the U-2R was successfully evaluated as the EP-X by the Navy and for carrier operations, FOIA documents indicate the CIA/NRO reached out to NASA to inquire if it was interested in two of its earlier modified carrier-capable U-2s that had been stored. These two aircraft were loaned to NASA to be used in the Earth Resources program and became NASA 708 and NASA 709, operating alongside our NC-130B: NASA 707 - at NASA Ames. 

JETs Vol. 25-36 is offered in a single variant: Camera Housing; and is limited to only 50 JETs.

A JETs/Air Drop combo is available that comes with a JET (tag) + an Air Drop cut from the same camera.