MC-130H Talon II

Description: The Lockheed Martin 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. 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 six- to eight-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.

To date, more than 2,400 C-130s in more than 70 variants to five basic models (A, B , E, H and J) have been produced for customers worldwide. In the first decade of 21st century 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 to keep the fleet flying and serviceable well beyond 2020.

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. The US Air Force retired the last four MC-130E Combat Talon I aircraft in April 2013.