Lockheed MC-130 facts for kids

Quick facts for kids MC-130
MC-130H Combat Talon II
Role	STOL Special operations military transport aircraft
Manufacturer	Lockheed Corporation
First flight	MC-130J: April 2011
Introduction	MC-130E: 1966 MC-130P: 1986 MC-130H: 1991 MC-130W: 2006 MC-130J: 2012
Status	active
Primary user	United States Air Force
Number built	MC-130E: 18 MC-130H: 24 MC-130P: 28 MC-130W: 12 MC-130J: 37
Unit cost	MC-130E $75 million MC-130H $155 million MC-130W $60 million MC-130J $67.3 million
Developed from	C-130 Hercules C-130J Super Hercules

The Lockheed MC-130 is a special kind of military cargo aircraft used by the US Air Force. It is a special version of the well-known C-130 Hercules plane. These planes are used only by U.S. special forces for their important missions.

The MC-130 can fly very low to the ground. This helps it avoid being seen by enemy radar. It is designed for tough jobs like refueling other aircraft in the air. It also helps drop special forces teams and supplies into difficult areas.

What Makes the MC-130 Special?

The MC-130 is built for "special operations." This means it helps with secret or very important military missions. These missions often happen in dangerous places or at night. The plane needs to be able to get in and out quickly and safely.

• Low-Altitude Flying: The MC-130 can fly very close to the ground. This makes it harder for enemies to detect it.
• Refueling: It can refuel helicopters and other special operations aircraft while they are flying. This lets them stay in the air longer.
• Dropping Supplies: It can drop supplies or special forces teams. They can parachute out of the plane.
• Short Take-Off and Landing (STOL): Some versions can take off and land on short, rough runways. This is useful in remote areas.

Different Types of MC-130 Planes

Over the years, several versions of the MC-130 have been made. Each one was improved for different tasks.

• MC-130E Combat Talon I: This was one of the first special operations versions. It started flying in 1966.
• MC-130P Combat Shadow: This version was mainly used for refueling helicopters. It was introduced in 1986.
• MC-130H Combat Talon II: This model came out in 1991. It had more advanced systems for navigation and defense.
• MC-130W Combat Spear: This version was added in 2006. It could carry out many different types of missions.
• MC-130J Commando II: This is the newest version. It started being used in 2012. It is replacing the older MC-130 planes. The Air Force plans to have 37 of these new planes.

The MC-130J has modern technology. It helps the US Air Force special forces do their jobs around the world.

Images for kids

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  MC-130E Combat Talon dispensing flares

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  MC-130 nose

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  MC-130E Combat Talon I of the Air Force Reserve's 919th Special Operations Wing taxis to the runway at RIAT 2010

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  15th Special Operations Squadron

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  Mixed formation of helicopters and Combat Talon of the Son Tay rescue operation during a practice mission

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  1st Special Operations Squadron
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  MC-130E Combat Talon I of 711th SOS, 1996–present

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  MC-130H Combat Talon II of 15th SOS

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  MC-130H Reg.88-1803 at RIAT 2010

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  7th Special Operations Squadron
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  MC-130P Combat Shadow, 17th Special Operations Squadron

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  MC-130P Combat Shadow

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  MC-130W Combat Spear, AF Ser. No. 87-9286, at Hurlburt Field, Florida

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  73rd Special Operations Squadron
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  A MC-130J modified with winglets takes off from Eglin AFB in March 2016.

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  A cockpit view of the MC-130J

See also

In Spanish: Lockheed MC-130 para niños