The HC-130J is tasked with helicopter in-flight refueling support for CSAR/personnel recovery, tactical C2, and pararescue (PJ) deployment. It replaced the HC-130N/P and is based on the USMC’s KC-130J tanker.
It adds an enhanced service-life wing, improved cargo handling system, refueling receptacle, EO/IR sensor, flight deck CSO console, and dual SATCOM. Features include integrated INS/GPS, NVG-compatible lighting, FLIR, and integrated situational awareness.
Recently added Advanced Threat Warning and RF countermeasures, as well as chaff/ flares give the HC-130 the latest self-defensive capability for recovery operations in contested environments.
USAF plans to standardize HC/AC/MC-130J block upgrades, and past efforts aimed to bring all HC-130Js to a more common configuration. Avionics Block 8.1 development (in common with the C-130J fleet) was completed in FY23 and large-scale retrofits are planned starting in FY26.
The fleet is receiving the Airborne Mission Networking (AbMN) battlefield situational awareness system as well as aft paratrooper door search window, ballistic armor, and safety improvements in FY25. Comm Modernization Phase I including Mobile User Objective System (MUOS) and crypto updates were pushed to FY27 to FY-28, and future Comm Modernization Phase II will add NATO-interoperable LOS SATURN and updated UHF/VHF radios.
Required upgrades include a Star mission computer refresh as well as an EO/IR sensor life extension. USAF conducted a series of tests and exercises utilizing the HC-130J as an airborne command post to control Pacific theater air operations in 2024.
HC-130J Combat King II Technical Data
Contractor: Lockheed Martin.
First Flight: July 29, 2010.
Delivered: Sept. 24, 2010-present.
IOC: April 25, 2013.
Production: 39.
Inventory: 39.
Operator: ACC, AETC, AFRC, ANG.
Aircraft Location: Davis-Monthan AFB, Ariz.; Francis S. Gabreski Arpt., N.Y.; JB Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska; Kirtland AFB, N.M.; Moffett Field, Calif.; Moody AFB, Ga.; Patrick SFB, Fla.
Active Variants: •HC-130J. C-130J modified for CSAR and aerial refueling.
Dimensions: Span 132.6 ft, length 97.8 ft, height 38.8 ft.
Weight: Max T-O 164,000 lb.
Power Plant: Four Rolls-Royce AE2100D3 turboprops, each 4,591 shp.
Performance: Speed 363.4 mph at S-L, range 4,000+ miles (farther with air refueling).
