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. It is also equipped with 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 largescale retrofits are planned starting this year.
The ongoing Situational Awareness Capabilities Upgrade (SACU) is modernizing the HC-130’s real-time networking, including friendly force tracking, SADL data link, and flight deck displays. The next phase will also add video data link and onboard classified networking.
FY26 begins Star mission computer refresh and interim Link 16 networking to as a bridge capability to SACU, and also continues EO/IR sensor life extension. Comm Modernization Phase I including Mobile User Objective System (MUOS) and crypto updates were pushed to FY27, and future Comm Modernization Phase II will add NATO-interoperable LOS SATURN and updated UHF/VHF radios.
HC-130J Combat King II Technical Data
Contractor: Lockheed Martin.
First Flight: July 29, 2010.
Delivered: Sept. 24, 2010-2022.
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. KC-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).
Ceiling: 33,000 ft.
Fuel Capacity: 61,360 lb at 150-300 gpm (100 gpm dual, simultaneous refueling).
Accommodation: Two pilots, CSO, two loadmasters, three PJs.