MC-130J COMMANDO II
Posted 3/22/2012
Printable Fact Sheet
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A new MC-130J Commando II taxis on the flightline at Cannon Air Force Base, N.M., Sept. 29, 2011. The aircraft was delivered to Cannon by Lt. Gen. Eric Fiel, Air Force Special Operations Command commander, and Brig. Gen. Stephen Clark, AFSOC director of plans, programs, requirements and assignments. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman James Bell)
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Mission
The Commando II flies clandestine, or low visibility, single or multi-ship low-level air refueling missions for special operations helicopters and tilt-rotor aircraft, and infiltration, exfiltration, and resupply of special operations forces (SOF) by airdrop or airland intruding politically sensitive or hostile territories. The MC-130J primarily flies missions at night to reduce probability of visual acquisition and intercept by airborne threats. Its secondary mission includes the airdrop of leaflets.
Features
The MC-130J includes: advanced two-pilot flight station with fully integrated digital avionics; fully populated Combat Systems Operator (CSO) and auxiliary flight deck stations; -13 color multifunctional liquid crystal displays; head-up displays; fully integrated navigation systems with dual inertial navigation system and global positioning system; integrated defensive systems; low-power color radar; digital moving map display; new turboprop engines with six-bladed, all-composite propellers; digital auto pilot; improved fuel, environmental and ice-protection systems; enhanced cargo-handling system; Universal Air Refueling Receptacle Slipway Installation (UARRSI), air refueling pods, Electro Optical/Infrared (EO/IR) System; dual SATCOM for voice/data; 60/90 KVA generators; increased DC electrical output, loadmaster/scanner restraint system; and LAIRCM provisions.
Background
The MC-130J is replacing the aging SOF fleet of 37 MC-130E and P tankers. The first aircraft was delivered in September 2011 to Cannon Air Force Base, N.M., with final delivery expected in fiscal 2017. The aircraft was officially renamed Commando II from Combat Shadow II in March 2012.
General Characteristics
Primary Function: Air refueling of SOF helicopter/tilt rotor aircraft, infiltration, exfiltration, and resupply of SOF by airdrop or airland
Builder: Lockheed Martin
Power Plant: 4 Rolls-Royce AE 2100D3 Turboprops:
Thrust: 4,591 shaft horsepower
Wingspan: 132 feet, 7 inches (39.7 meters)
Length: 97 feet, 9 inches (29.3 meters)
Height: 38 feet, 10 inches (11.9 meters)
Speed: 362 KTAS at 22,000 feet
Ceiling: 28,000 feet with 42,000 pound payload
Maximum Takeoff Weight: 164,000 pounds
Range: 3,000 miles unrefueled
Crew: Two pilots, one combat systems officer (officers), and two loadmasters (enlisted)
Date Deployed: 2011 (First AFSOC aircraft September 2011)
Unit Cost: $67M (fiscal 2010 dollars)
Inventory: Active force, 37 by fiscal 2017
U.S. Air Force Special Operations Command, Public Affairs Office; 229 Cody Ave, Ste 103; Hurlburt Field FL 32544-5312; DSN 579-5515 or 850-884-5515
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