Lockheed C-130E Hercules

The C-130E was ordered as an interim long-range transport for the Military Air Transport Service and entered service in 1962. Its key change was range: large external fuel tanks were moved to the wing midsection between the inner and outer engines, the gross weight went up, and more powerful Allison T56-A-7A engines were fitted. Aileron hydraulic pressure went back to the A-model's 2,050 psi.

Lockheed delivered 491 E-models, making it the most numerous Hercules until the H. The airframe became the basis for many special versions, including the MC-130E Combat Talon, the EC-130E airborne command and psychological-operations aircraft and the HC-130P rescue tanker.

Australia took 12 C-130Es in 1966–67, and the type also served Argentina, Iran, Israel and others. Poland received ex-USAF C-130Es in the 2000s, and US Air Force units flew the E for some five decades before it was replaced by the C-130J.