Why does the C-130 military transport plane use propellers instead of jet engines?

Question

Why does the C-130 military transport plane use propellers instead of jet engines?

In: Engineering

Answer 1

The C-130 actually uses both: propellers spun by jet engines.

Propellers are more efficient at low altitude and airspeed than jet engines, which is where the C-130 is designed to operate. They also generate a huge amount of “blown lift” by blowing air across the wings. This enables the -130 to fly even slower (and land on even shorter airfields).

Jet engines are more fuel efficient at higher altitudes and generally more powerful and reliable than piston engines.

So they get the best of both worlds. Powerful, efficient propellers at low altitudes and good cruise economy at higher altitudes.