The Lockheed C-130 Hercules brings rough-field and outsize cargo capability to Puerto Rico through San Juan (SJU) and short or unimproved strips, carrying vehicles and palletized loads up to 1,334 nautical miles. It fits relief, project, and outsize freight the airline freighters cannot land near. A rugged tactical airlifter.
Lockheed Martin has built the C-130 since the 1950s as a short-field, ramp-loading transport, cruising near 291 knots up to about 23,000 feet. Its rear ramp and tough gear handle unimproved surfaces.
Performance and Cabin
- Category: Cargo Aircraft
- Manufacturer: Lockheed Martin
- Year introduced: 1970
- Seating: Crew only (cargo)
- Crew: 3
- Range: 1,334 nautical miles
- Cruise speed: 291 knots
- Service ceiling: 23,000 feet
- Length: 112.8 feet
- Wingspan: 132.6 feet
- Height: 38.3 feet
- Baggage volume: 6,057 cubic feet
- Lavatory: Crew only
Why the Lockheed C-130 Hercules Fits Puerto Rico
From Puerto Rico the C-130 fits cargo that needs ramp loading or access to austere strips: island relief, heavy equipment, or vehicles moving around the Caribbean. Short-field and outsize capability define it.
For disaster relief or project freight into fields a jet freighter cannot use, the Hercules is the choice out of SJU.
Vetting Behind Every Trip
Every operator, aircraft, and crew goes through our internal due diligence before we present any options. Our internal standards meet or exceed what the FAA requires:
- FAR Part 135 charter operators for traditional private aircraft, or FAR Part 121 for airliner-size and group trips (or the foreign equivalent on international legs)
- Operator subscription to Wyvern and ARGUS reviewed where the operator participates; reports may be provided on request.
- Pilot experience and operator incident history reviewed before we recommend an aircraft.
- Fewer than 60 brokers worldwide hold Premium Wyvern Broker Member status, and Air Charter Advisors is one of them.
Charter Pricing Reference
Industry hourly rates for the Lockheed C-130 Hercules run $8,000 to $12,000 per hour as of 7/2026. Actual quotes vary by operator, routing, positioning, and date.
Other Cargo Aircrafts Available
- ATR 72F
- Antonov An-124 Ruslan
- Boeing 737-400 Freighter
- Boeing 737-800BCF
- Boeing 747-400F
- Boeing 747-8F
Contact
For a quote on a Lockheed C-130 Hercules charter in or out of Puerto Rico, call +1-888-987-5387 or head to our contact page. For the vetting work behind every trip, see our safety page. To browse cross-category options for the same trip, visit the aircraft directory.
The hourly rates provided are estimates based on 2026 market data and are for informational purposes only. These figures are subject to change and do not constitute a final offer. Final pricing is dynamic and depends on real-time factors including, but not limited to, specific itinerary requirements, aircraft positioning (“ferry” fees), fuel price volatility, and current market availability. These estimates exclude all applicable taxes, de-icing, landing and handling fees, special event fees, international surcharges, overnight crew expenses, and premium catering. Please contact Air Charter Advisors directly for a firm, all-inclusive quote tailored to your specific travel needs.