C-130 Hercules
IOC: 1956
Total Production: 2,337
Total Program's Cost: USD$25 billion
MC-130H Talon II
IOC: 1991
Production: 33
Unitary Cost: USD$78 million
Also Known As
MC-130P Combat Shadow
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
EC-130J Commando Solo
KC-130J Super Hercules
MC-130J
MC-130W Combat Spear
WC-130J
Power plant:
T56-A-16 (4)
Sensors & Communications:
AN/ALR-69
Protection Systems:
AN/ALQ-172
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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 MC-130H Talon II aircraft provides global, day, night, and adverse weather capability to infiltrate, re-supply and ex-filtrate US and allied special operation forces. It features terrain-following and terrain-avoidance radar, in-flight refueling equipment, high-speed aerial delivery system, and INS/GPS-aided navigation system. In addition, the Talon II features highly automated controls and displays to reduce crew size and workload.
The first MC-130H Talon II was deployed in 1991. A Talon II evacuated Americans from the US embassy in Liberia in 1996. The following year, Talon II participated in evacuation of Americans from US embassy in Zaire. This aircraft can accommodate up to 52 paratroopers or 75 troops.
In April 2005, the Boeing company received a $137 million contract from the US Air Force to begin modify ten existing C-130s into MC-130H Combat Talon II configuration. This contract covered the modification work of two aircraft. A follow-on production phase contract, valued at $446 million, was anticipated covering the modification work of the remaining eight aircraft. Deliveries to the US Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC) will begin in July 2008 and will continue through the end of 2011. These aircraft are expected to play a vital role in the global war on terrorism.
Specifications
Accommodation: Crew 7, Passengers 52
Dimensions: Height 7 m, Length 30.4 m
Weights: Max Weight 70,308 kg (155,000 lb)
Performance: Ceiling 10,058 m (32,999 ft), Max Range 5,000 km (2,700 nm), Top Speed 135 mps (486 kph)
Power: Power 19,640 shp
Other: Number of Engines 4
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United States of America / 33 