HC-130J Combat King II

HC-130J Combat King II
Name	HC-130J Combat King II
Caption	An HC-130J of the United States Air Force.
Type	Combat search and rescue / Personnel recovery / Special operations support
National origin	United States
Manufacturer	Lockheed Martin
First flight	2010
Introduction	2013
Status	In service
Primary user	United States Air Force
Number built	37 (as of 2023)
Developed from	C-130J Super Hercules
Developed into	MC-130J Commando II

HC-130J Combat King II. The HC-130J Combat King II is a long-range, combat-proven aircraft designed for the critical personnel recovery and combat search and rescue (CSAR) missions of the United States Air Force. Developed from the versatile C-130J Super Hercules platform by Lockheed Martin, it serves as the dedicated replacement for the aging HC-130P/N fleet. Equipped with advanced avionics, enhanced defensive systems, and aerial refueling capability for helicopters, it is a cornerstone of the Air Combat Command's global rescue operations.

Development and acquisition

The program to develop a modernized combat search and rescue platform was initiated to replace the legacy HC-130P and HC-130N models, which had been in service since the Vietnam War. In 2006, the United States Air Force awarded a contract to Lockheed Martin to modify the new C-130J Super Hercules airframe for the specialized mission. The first HC-130J was delivered to the 413th Flight Test Group at Robins Air Force Base for testing in 2010. The Air Force Reserve Command's 920th Rescue Wing at Patrick Space Force Base received the first operational aircraft in 2013, marking the beginning of the fleet's introduction. Further procurement continued through the 2010s, with the final aircraft delivered in 2023 to fulfill the Air Combat Command's requirement.

Design and features

Based on the C-130J Super Hercules, the aircraft incorporates the modern Rolls-Royce AE 2100D3 turboprop engines and six-bladed Dowty R391 composite propellers for improved performance and fuel efficiency. Its core mission systems include an AN/AAQ-24(V) Directional Infrared Countermeasures suite, AN/ALR-56M radar warning receiver, and AN/AAR-47 missile warning system for enhanced survivability in contested airspace. The interior is configured with a Fulton surface-to-air recovery system (STARS) boom, an aerial refueling pod for helicopters like the HH-60G Pave Hawk, and comprehensive communications suites for coordinating with Joint Terminal Attack Controllers and other special operations forces. The glass cockpit features head-up displays and is fully compatible with night vision goggles.

Operational history

The HC-130J achieved initial operational capability with the 920th Rescue Wing in 2015 and has since been deployed globally in support of United States Central Command, United States Africa Command, and United States Indo-Pacific Command operations. It has been integral to personnel recovery taskings throughout operations in Syria, Afghanistan, and Iraq, often working in concert with HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopters and A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft. The type saw extensive use during the 2021 evacuation from Afghanistan, providing critical command and control and aerial refueling. Squadrons such as the 71st Rescue Squadron and the 79th Rescue Squadron routinely deploy the aircraft for exercises like Red Flag to maintain high readiness levels.

Variants

The primary variant is the standard HC-130J configured for combat search and rescue. A closely related special operations variant is the MC-130J Commando II, operated by the Air Force Special Operations Command for missions including airborne infiltration and exfiltration, and Precision Strike Package support. The United States Coast Guard operates a derivative designated the HC-130J Super Hercules for long-range surveillance and maritime patrol, lacking the specialized CSAR equipment. All variants share the same fundamental C-130J Super Hercules airframe and propulsion system.

Operators

The sole military operator is the United States Air Force. Operational units include the 23rd Wing at Moody Air Force Base, the 355th Wing at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, and the 920th Rescue Wing at Patrick Space Force Base. The aircraft are assigned to squadrons within the Air Combat Command, Pacific Air Forces, and Air Force Reserve Command. The Air National Guard also operates the type, with units such as the 129th Rescue Wing at Moffett Federal Airfield transitioning from the older HC-130P.

Specifications (HC-130J)

* **Crew:** 5 (2 pilots, combat systems officer, 2 loadmasters) plus mission-specific personnel * **Length:** 97 ft 9 in (29.8 m) * **Wingspan:** 132 ft 7 in (40.4 m) * **Height:** 38 ft 10 in (11.8 m) * **Powerplant:** 4 × Rolls-Royce AE 2100D3 turboprop engines, 4,637 shp (3,458 kW) each * **Maximum speed:** 417 mph (671 km/h, 362 kn) * **Range:** 4,000 mi (6,437 km) with reserves * **Service ceiling:** 28,000 ft (8,534 m) with mission load * **Armament:** Typically none, but equipped with comprehensive defensive countermeasures systems

Category:United States military transport aircraft 2010–2019 Category:Lockheed aircraft Category:Search and rescue aircraft