Blackbird Simulations has, in this recently released teaser video on YouTube, announced that its “Dirty 30” Lockheed Martin C-130 Hercules for MSFS 2024 is set for an Alpha release on the 1st of May 2025.
Making it clear that this is a work-in-progress product, and with limited Alpha licenses available, the developers at Blackbird Simulations are keen to point out that more will be to come as the product matures. Initial pricing will be $24.99 USD; the Beta (TBC) and Final Release price points are anticipated to be higher.
Nicknamed the “Dirty Thirty,” the Lockheed Martin C-130 Hercules has served over 60 years as a versatile airlifter, with the version in this release featuring two variants: the standard C-130 and the stretched 30 Long, as detailed on the product page. Both these variants are based on their research material from a Block 6.5 C-130 ADV aircraft.
The Alpha includes a fully interactive 3D cockpit with clickable switches, dials, and knobs, paired with a flight model leveraging MSFS 2024’s advanced dynamics. Systems and logic, like the four Allison T56-A-15 turboprops with FADEC management, each producing 4,300 shaft horsepower, are modelled with input from real C-130 pilots, ensuring accuracy in performance and handling. Blackbird highlights that this simulation builds on tech and skills derived from their real-world military contracts, including those from the USAF and SOCOM.
Further enhancements come in the form of a series of cargo payload options, all of which can be managed through the Blackbird Simulations custom EFB.
Describing this as “A passion project, built by a team obsessed with getting it just right”, it’s clear that the many hours of site visits, technical data and feedback from those familiar with the “Dirty 30” are expected to reap rewards for enthusiasts of this ever-recognisable prop behemoth.
The team is maintaining a feature list here on the C-130 product page to keep simmers up to date. They have confirmed, however, that due to the complexity of the modelling required, this is going to be a PC-only release and will require a Joystick/Yoke or Gamepad to use.
Keen to ensure that this product develops into a well-defined representation of the Lockheed C-130 Hercules, the team at Blackbird Simulations has committed to ensuring that feedback from the Alpha and Beta phases is taken on board for the main release. Offering early adopters a great chance to help shape the product.
We’ve also covered Blackbird Simulations’ recent collaboration with Miltech Simulations for the upcoming MH-60 release.
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