The Lockheed Martin C-130 Hercules is a high wing four-engine turboprop aircraft that serves as the primary military transport aircraft for military forces in many parts of the world. Able to land and take off from short or unprepared runways, it was originally an army and cargo aircraft carrier which is now also used for a wide variety of roles, including airborne infantry, weather monitoring, aerial refueling, aerial firefighting, and air ambulance. Today there are more than 40 Hercules models, including several rifle boats, and are also used in more than 50 countries. Serving more than 50 years, the C-130 family has set strong records for reliability and durability, participating in military, civilian and humanitarian assistance.