C-130J Super Hercules Makes Historic First Flight With External Fuel Tanks Under Its Wings

External fuel tanks, or drop tanks as they are sometimes called, are common in military aviation. Dating back to 1923, when the pilots of the Spanish Civil War used them to extend the range of their airplanes, external fuel tanks have become must-have for fighter planes. They are, however, almost non-existent on transport aircraft. Or should I say "were," as the U.S. Air Force changed all that. You all know the (continue reading...)