MC-130J Commando II
The MC-130J Commando II is the latest C-130 variant in the Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC) fleet. Based on the KC-130J tanker design, the MC-130J is a state-of-the-art, multi-role tactical airlifter and refueler, designed to replace AFSOC's ageing fleet of MC-130E and MC-130P aircraft. The first MC-130J was delivered to the 522nd Special Operations Squadron, 27th Special Operations Wing, in late September 2011. The MC-130J was initially known as the Combat Shadow II but was eventually officially redesignated as the Commando II
MC-130J Video
MC-130J Commando II - Roles
The MC-130J is a versatile aircraft, configured to fulfull a number of roles:
- low-level, multi-ship air-to-air refueling of special ops helicopters and tilt-rotor aircraft such as the CV-22 Osprey
- insertion, extraction and resupply via airdrop / airland of personnel and equipment in support of Special Operations Forces
- operations in politically sensitive or hostile airspace
MC-130J Commando II Features
The MC-130J is the first AFSOC bird that has been built specifically by Lockheed Martin for special operations rather than being a modification of existing C-130 airframes. Features of the MC-130J include:
- 2-pilot flight station
- 1 Combat Systems Operator (CSO) station
- 1 auxiliary flight deck station
- new turboprop engines with 6-bladed composite propellors
- Universal Air Refueling Receptacle Slipway Installation (UARRSI)
- Enhanced Cargo Handling System (ECHS)
- Enhanced Service Life Wing
- 60/90 KVA generators
- increased DC electrical output
Avionics
The MC-130J is packed with sophisiticated avionics:
- AN/AAS-52(V) Electro Optical/Infrared (EO/IR) System
- multi-mode radar
- dual SATCOM (voice / data)
- integrated dual inertial and GPS navigation
- advanced digital cockpit featuring multifunction liquid crystal displays
- dual special mission processors
Defensive Systems
A Large Aircraft Infrared Countermeasures (LAIRCM) system protects the MC-130J against incoming missiles. The LAIRCM features sensors to detect missiles and a laser to spoof incoming missiles off course. The MC-130J also features flare and chaff launchers.
MC-130J Specifications
| Crew | 2 pilots 1 one combat systems officer 2 loadmasters |
| Engines | 4 x Rolls-Royce AE 2100D3 Turboprops |
| Dimensions | Length : 29.3 Height : 11.9 meters Wingspan : 39.7 meters |
| Max Takeoff Weight | 164,000 pounds |
| Range | 3000 nm (without in-flight refueling) |
| Ceiling | 28,000 feet (42,000 pound payload) |
| Speed | 362 KTAS at 22,000 feet |
| Countermeasures | Large Aircraft Infrared Countermeasures (LAIRCM) |
| Sensors | multi-mode radar AN/AAS-52(V) electro optical / IR pod |
