The C-130 Hercules holds the record for the largest and heaviest aircraft to land on an aircraft carrier.

On October 30th 1963, the aerial refueling tanker and tactical airlift variant of the C-130 Hercules, operated by the US Marine Corps, made an experimental landing on the aircraft carrier USS Forrestal (CVA-59) in an attempt to investigate the possibilities of using the C-130 for logistic support for the U.S. fleet.

The KC-130 used for testing on the deck of the USS Forrestal. Note the nose art that proclaims, “Look Ma, No Hook.” U.S. Navy photo

In 1963, the KC-130F “Look Ma, No Hook” was loaned to the U.S. Naval Air Test Center, as part of a program to evaluate the suitability of this type of aircraft for Carrier Onboard Delivery (COD) missions.

The KC-130F used in these tests had the name “Look Ma, No Hook”, written under the co-pilot window, because there were no arresting hooks mounted on the aircraft.

That regular piece of equipment for carrier landings would not have helped either, since the arresting wires had been removed from the carrier deck in order to preserve the tires of the airplane.

A KC-130 taking off from the USS Forrestal with Lt. James H. Flatley at the controls. U.S. Navy photo

The aircraft made 29 touch and go landings, 21 un-arrested full stop landings and 21 un-assisted takeoffs from the USS Forrestal aircraft carrier. During tests, gross weights were between 85,000lbs and 121,000lbs.

Tests were successful, even earning the pilot the Distinguished Flying Cross. However, the C-130s intended for COD missions were dropped in favor of smaller aircraft such as the C-2 Greyhound.

Returning to active USMC duty later in 1963, the KC-130F remained in service until 2005. During her service, she served several tours in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom before being flown to Pensacola for preservation.