Photos of the Week: All Hail the Hercules

Loud stadiums. Rowdy crowds. Marching bands. There is nothing like the atmosphere of a college football game.

But there’s something else that takes the gameday experience up a notch: the abrupt, low-level flyover of an aircraft over the stadium that energizes the tens of thousands of spectators inside.

Flyovers are synonymous with events whether it’s sports, a parade or an honorary celebration in recognition of an observance or person. At American sporting events, flyovers are often done by the U.S. military ranging from fast and loud fighter jet formations to large, rumbling cargo transports.

One of those transports is the Lockheed Martin C-130 Hercules, the most numerous airlifter in the U.S. military’s inventory. With nearly 280 of the four-engine turboprops in service with the U.S. military (as of 2022), the Hercules is the premier aircraft for the U.S.’ tactical airlift mission.

The C-130 is legendary for being one of the longest continuously produced aircraft in history. Since its first flight in 1954, more than 2,500 C-130s have been built in 70 different versions and have served for over 60 countries worldwide. The C-130J is the latest model being produced by Lockheed Martin and being delivered to the U.S. and other countries around the globe.

Matt Slafka photographed this U.S. Air Force C-130J conducting a flyover at Notre Dame Stadium before the Fighting Irish faced off against Miami University Sept. 21. Matt’s photo caught the C-130 passing over Notre Dame University’s iconic World of Life Mural overlooking the 77,662-seat stadium. Made of over 5,700 multi-colored granite pieces, the mural is affectionately nicknamed “Touchdown Jesus” for its outstretched arms appearing similar to a referee’s signal for a touchdown score.

Meanwhile, Bruce Roknich of PIT’s Field Maintenance Team snapped a photo of the 911th Airlift Wing’s D-Day stripes C-17 Globemaster III taxiing out to the runway for a departure. The 911th Airlift Wing recently conducted a flyover for the “Backyard Brawl” matchup between the Pitt Panthers and West Virginia Mountaineers at Acrisure Stadium Sept. 14.

Thanks for sharing, Matt and Bruce! As football season continues, be sure to lookout for military aircraft that may visit PIT to conduct flyovers of Steelers or Pitt home games this season.

Our readers continue to pass along shots of unique aircraft, international airports, historical events, gorgeous views, family vacation photos and yes, even the occasional fashion show for this feature. We love them! Keep them coming — you can click here for submission guidelines.

A 911th Airlift Wing C-17 Globemaster III in the D-Day stripes livery taxis to the runway at PIT for departure. (Photo submitted by Bruce Roknich)