The C-130H is an all-purpose theater transport that performs diverse roles, including tactical and intertheater airlift and airdrop, AE, aerial spraying, aerial firefighting, and humanitarian support. The developmental YC-130A first flew in August 1954 with the C-130A entering USAF service in 1956.
The H model improved on the later C-130E and was delivered starting in 1965, with delivery of the current, more advanced models starting in 1974. Improvements included uprated engines, redesigned outer-wing, improved pneumatic systems, new avionics, improved radar, and NVG lighting.
USAF is replacing the fleet with the C-130J while modernizing the remaining C-130Hs. Primary upgrades consist of the Avionics Modernization Program and NP2000 propeller retrofits, center wing box replacement, and low-cost mods. AMP Increment 1 added new CNS/ATM and brought legacy C-130s into compliance with international airspace rules. The first Increment 2 upgrade was completed in 2022, adding terrain awareness and warning, new flight management, and modern glass cockpit displays.
UHF SATCOM modernization was added to roll-in Mobile User Objective System (MUOS) secure, jam-resistant BLOS and NATO-interoperable LOS SATURN. A total of 71 aircraft are planned for upgrade through 2029. At least 90 aircraft were upgraded with eight-bladed NP2000 propellers through 2025, enhancing performance up to 20 percent and eliminating cracking problems.
AFRC’s 910th AW at Youngstown began transitioning to the C-130J in 2024, and ANG units in Connecticut, Illinois, Minnesota, and Montana plan to upgrade to the C-130J. Retired C-130H are replaced on a one-for-one basis with C-130J procurement to maintain the congressionally mandated 271-airframe tactical fleet through 2028.
C-130H Hercules Technical Data
Contractors: Lockheed Martin (airframe); L3Harris (AMP Increment 2); Collins Aerospace (NP2000).
First Flight: 1965 (C-130H).
Delivered: April 1975-96 (current C-130H2/H3).
IOC: Circa 1974.
Production: 1,202 (C-130H).
Inventory: 106.
Operator: ANG, AFRC.
Aircraft Location: Dobbins ARB, Ga.; Little Rock AFB, Ark.; Minneapolis- St. Paul Arpt./ARS, Minn.; Peterson SFB, Colo. (MAFFS); Youngstown ARS, Ohio (Electronic Modular Aerial Spray System (EMASS), and ANG in Arkansas, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nevada (MAFFS), Texas, and Wyoming (MAFFS).
Active Variant: • C-130H Hercules. Updated late-production version of the legacy C-130.
Dimensions: Span 132.6 ft, length 97.8 ft, height 38.8 ft.
Weight: Max T-O 155,000 lb; max payload 42,000 lb.
Power Plant: Four Allison T56-A-15, or Rolls-Royce T56 3.5 turboprops, each 4,591 shp (approx. 20 percent increased thrust with NP2000 propellers).
Performance: Speed 366 mph; range with 35,000-lb payload 1,496 miles.
Ceiling: With max payload, 23,000 ft.
Accommodation: Two pilots, navigator, flight engineer, loadmaster.
Load: Up to 92 combat troops or 64 paratroopers or 74 litters or six cargo pallets or 16 Container Delivery System (CDS) bundles or any combination of these up to max weight.