From 1956 until 1960, the Air Force's Tactical Air Command (TAC) fielded a team of four C-130 Hercules pilots to perform as an aerial demonstration team. The shows thrilled audiences around the United States and the pilots, known as the Four Horsemen, showed the power and maneuverability of the huge airlifters also known as troop carriers. The aircraft used in the demonstrations were taken from the inventory of whatever air base was closest to the show.