In 1963, a USMC KC-130F loaned to the US Navy for carrier on-board delivery (COD) trials, became the largest and heaviest aircraft to land and take off from an aircraft carrier. To date (2014) the record still stands.
USS Forrestal (CVA-59) and KC-130F Hercules, 1963.
During the trials aboard the USS Forrestal (CVA-59), the KC-130F completed:
- 29 touch-and-go landings
- 21 unarrested full-stop landings
- 21 unassisted take-offs
KC-130F Hercules take-off from aircraft carrier USS Forrestal (CVA-59), 1963.
The pilot of the Hercules was US Navy test pilot Lieutenant James H. Flatley III (later Rear Admiral) who received the Distinguished Flying Cross for his participation in the trails.
Naval Matters 