First flying in 1954, some 71 years ago, the Lockheed Martin C-130 Hercules has become a iconic aviation legend.

Beginning as a military transport, it has evolved into otherroles, including gunship, weather research, special operations, firefighting and more – and it is still in production today.

We talk to former RAF C-130 pilot Scott Bateman about ‘Hercules – First in, Last Out’ and the men and womenof the tightly knit Herc Force and its incredible history. 

 Scott Bateman MBE is an aviation professional, TV producer/presenter and ex-RAF Loadmaster and C-130 captain with 47 Sqn. Hercules will be out in paperback in May, while his next book is 'Jumbo', which will be published in February 2026.

You can get a copy of Hercules - First In Last Out directly from the Xtended Bookshop here https://uk.bookshop.org/a/11161/9780241655580  

Recorded 4th March 2025

For full show notes and images visit https://aviation-xtended.co.uk/