Mighty Hercules Bears the Marks of Many Campaigns

NASA's C-130 Hercules is a flying laboratory used for the 2016 North Atlantic Aerosols and Marine Ecosystems Study. Nicknamed '50 Shades' due to its many modifications, the aircraft is equipped with advanced instruments for studying aerosols, clouds, and ocean color. It can fly for 10 hours, providing the crew with a panoramic view from the flight deck. Despite its lack of luxury, the aircraft is durable, reliable, and an integral part of the research team.

What is the primary purpose of NASA's Hercules as mentioned in the text?

How does the flight crew refer to the airplane informally?

What modifications are made to the airplane when a science team needs to attach an instrument?

Describe the capabilities of the Hercules in terms of flight duration and equipment.

What characteristics of the Hercules make it suitable for scientific missions?