The Hercules also saw use in civilian designs, culminating in the 735 and 737 engines for such as the Handley Page Hastings C1 and C3 and Bristol Freighter. The design was also licensed for production in France by SNECMA. Except for the 2000 hp-range versions in the 1950s until there were lubricating oil improvements, it was considered to be one of the more reliable aircraft engines of the era.