Unlock the secrets of the cosmos aboard the world's only flying space observatory, the SOFIA, a converted Boeing 747 jumbo jetliner.

The Hercules is the most flexible airlifter in the world. It has been for over half a century, first flying on Aug 23, 1954. With more than 70 variants used by over 70 countries, the C130J or "Super" Herc is the newest model in the longest continuous production run of any plane in aircraft history. This medium-range bird is the tactical cargo and personnel transporter for the U.S. Air Force, and serves multi-mission capabilities. Its many jobs include: special operations; search and rescue; aerial refueling; medevac; natural disaster relief missions; fire fighter; maritime surveillance; and hurricane hunter. In this two-hour special, MIGHTY PLANES takes flight with the delivery of a brand-new C130J fresh off the Lockheed Martin production to the Little Rock Air Force base in Arkansas. Then, meet Tim Nguyen, a Lockheed Martin Aviation Engineer who has dedicated his life to protecting the mighty Hercules from attack. He journeys to Little Rock to visit the very C-130A Herc that saved his life 40 years ago during the fall of Saigon.