The LC-130 will no longer require RATO after engine upgrades

The Lockheed LC-130 is a ski-equipped aircraft that supports U.S. missions in the Arctic and Antarctic. The aircraft requires rocket-assisted-takeoff (RATO) rockets for take-off when carrying heavy loads over snow or ice. Recently, the LC-130 was upgraded with T56-8-15A 3.5 engines that negate the need for RATO rockets.

Lockheed LC-130H Hercules (L-382), USA - Air Force AN0633004
Mike Freer – Touchdown-aviation (GFDL 1.2 or GFDL 1.2), via Wikimedia Commons
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F-22 Raptors assigned to the Hawaii Air National Guard 199th Fighter Squadron and the active duty 19th Fighter Squadron, are staged on the flightline of Marine Corps Base Kaneohe, HI Mar. 3, 2022 during Agile Combat Employment exercise Hoʻoikaika. ACE is an operational concept that leverages networks of well-established and austere air bases, multi-capable airmen, pre-positioned equipment, and airlift to rapidly deploy, disperse and maneuver combat capability throughout a theater. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by 2nd Lt. James Ro)