Produced as an officially licensed product to the highest standards, Herpa diecast metal models are developed as a collaborative effort with aircraft manufacturers, the airlines, and the military, and are recognized by discerning model airplane collectors worldwide for their unparalleled, accurate realism, attention to detail and exceptional quality. This Herpa 1/200 scale Belgian Air Component Lockheed C-130H Hercules - 20th Squadron, 15th Wing Melsbroek Air Base - 50 Years of Hercules - Registration CH-01 - which measures approximately 5-7/8-inches long with an 8-inch wingspan, is a correct, true-to-scale reproduction of the actual aircraft, and features authentic, highly detailed graphics and markings. A Display Stand is not included and is sold separately. Known as the Belgian Air Force until 2002, this branch of the armed forces has since been called the Belgian Air Component. With the official end of the Cold War, Belgium recently began to reduce its forces and retire surplus equipment. More than 100 aircraft are still in active service with the Belgian Air Component, including the highly successful C-130 Hercules transport aircraft. But its replacement by the A400M Atlas has begun, and a generation change is underway. The Belgian Air Force's C-130s can look back on a 50-year career, an undoubtedly fitting occasion for a very special livery on one of the reliable aircraft. The C-130H, with registration CH-01, which is part of the 20th Tactical transport Squadron "Sioux Bleu / Blauwe Sioux"of the 15th Wing at Melsbroek was selected for this purpose. It is the original for this new Hercules model and makes the well-designed, extensive special livery stand out as well. The design of the tail fin is particularly impressive, with a reference the 50th anniversary of service on the left-hand side, and the representation of a Native American head with its headdress as the association's coat of arms on the right-hand side. Currently, five of the thirteen Hercules planes delivered between 1972 and 1973 are still in service, originally serving as replacements for the 22 Fairchild C-119s, called "Flying Boxcars."

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