C-130 Seaplane

[marky sparky]

https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/c-130-seaplane-should-fly-in-2023-says-air-force-specops-commander

[exdraken]

The almighty Herc!!

 

Next thing they'll propose it to land on a carrier 😉 

 

-oh wait, done that already 😀 

[Vingtor]

Not a new idea: https://www.secretprojects.co.uk/threads/lockheed-c-130-hercules-seaplane-amphibious-versions.26090/

[alt-92]

Bonkers. 
They really need to set aside their pride and just buy themselves US-2s.  Or license-build. I don't care. 

But this is just a stupid idea.

[Doc72]

Fascinating, but odd project. I wonder whether a KC-130 refueling two V-22 would be a superior concept. With these huge draggy and heavy floats the advantage of the Hercules over two V-22 in terms of payload can't be that large. In addition, I think the idea that a floatplane can land everywhere on water is a bit misleading. Such a floatplane would be quite restricted to smooth waters in protected bays or lakes. Therefore, a tiltrotor (or large helicopter) might be more flexible for the insertion/extraction of special forces and the like.

[RAF4EVER]

On 23/09/2022 at 08:54, Vingtor said:

Not a new idea: https://www.secretprojects.co.uk/threads/lockheed-c-130-hercules-seaplane-amphibious-versions.26090/

Link not working

[Max Headroom]

43 minutes ago, Blackcat2020 said:

My thoughts exactly. 

I'm thinking that perhaps a purpose designed flying boat hull and, wingtip floats might be more practical for such a large aeroplane. 

At least that might eliminate the weight/drag penalty of those huge floats. 

Be a great "what if" project though assuming one could source suitable floats! 

That was proposed many years ago!

 

https://www.airliners.net/forum/viewtopic.php?t=1464845

 

Trevor