C-130 Hercules
IOC: 1956
Total Production: 2,337
Total Program's Cost: USD$25 billion
EC-130J Commando Solo
IOC: 2007
Production: 3
Also Known As
Super J
Origin
United States of America
Contractor/s
Lockheed Martin
Family Members
AC-130U Spooky
C-130H Hercules
C-130J Super Hercules
CC-130J Super Hercules
KC-130J Super Hercules
MC-130H Talon II
MC-130J
MC-130W Combat Spear
WC-130J
Power plant:
AE 2100D3 (4)
Sensors & Communications:
AN/ALR-56
AN/APN-241
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Description:
The C-130 Hercules is a medium-size transport aircraft designed to operate from rough dirt strips. The first prototype, the YC-130A, maiden flight took place in 1954. The first model C-130A achieved initial operational capability in December1956 becoming thereafter the most important cargo transport aircraft of the free world. Since then, the C-130s had assumed a wide range of military tasks such as airlift, airdrop, reconnaissance, special operations, close air support, electronic warfare, air refueling, etc.
To date, more than 2,200 C-130s in 70 variants to five basic models (A, B , E, H and J) have been produced. Currently, the majority of C-130s in service belong to the E, H and J basic models introduced in the early 1960s, in the 1970s and late 1990s respectively. The US Air Force, Navy and Marines operate the C-130 aircraft as well as the air forces of 66 other nations worldwide. The US Air Force plans to convert the surviving E and H models to the C-130AMP (Avionics Modernization Program) configuration beginning in 2007. AMP covers avionics modernization and some engine improvements.
The C-130 features an aft loading ramp and door and is able to accommodate a wide variety of oversized cargo, including everything from utility helicopters and 6 wheeled armored vehicles to standard palletized cargo and military personnel. The Hercules can be configured to carry out different missions and re-configured to its original cargo transport mission.
The C-130J Hercules II is the latest and most advanced derivative of the proven C-130 cargo aircraft and will replace ageing C-130Es aircraft. It incorporates state-of-the-art technology to reduce manpower requirements, operating, support, and life cycle costs over current C-130s. The J model also features improved maneuverability and handling, shorter runaways needs for taking off and landing than previous models. The new turboprops AE 2100D3 engines with 6 blades are one of the keys of the C-130J improved performance.
The first C-130J aircraft achieved initial operational capability in 1999. The US Air Force plans to purchase up to 168 C-130J and CC-130J (a stretch version of C-130J) aircraft to replace older C-130Es. In November 2004, the US Air Force awarded Lockheed-Martin a contract to turn 1+2 Air National Guard C-130Js into Super J aircraft configuration. Super J configuration features aerial refueling equipment, a modified operator station, an expanded internal communications system, plus a more powerful generator for needed electrical power.
It is expected that the first Super J configured aircraft, to be sent back to the Air National Guard in 2006, will be ultimately converted into the first EC-130J aircraft. EC-130Js would replace the existing fleet of aging EC-130E Commando Solo aircraft beginning before the end of this decade. EC-130Js will perform information operations and civil affairs broadcasts in AM, FM, HF, TV and military communications bands.
Specifications
Accommodation: Crew 3, Passengers 64
Dimensions: Height 11.4 m, Length 29.3 m, Wingspan 39.7 m
Weights: Max Weight 70,308 kg (155,000 lb), Payload 21,151 kg (46,629 lb)
Performance: Ceiling 10,058 m (32,999 ft), Max Range 4,390 km (2,370 nm), Top Speed 196 mps (Mach 0.59)
Power: Power 18,364 shp
Other: Number of Engines 4
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United States of America / 3