Lockheed HC-130

USAF HC-130P refuels a HH-60 Pave Hawk helicopter

The HC-130P/N is an extended-range, combat search and rescue version of the C-130 Hercules transport. Its mission is extend the range of combat search and rescue helicopters by providing air refueling.

Secondary mission capabilities include performing tactical airdrops of pararescue specialist teams, small bundles, zodiac watercraft, or four-wheel drive all-terrain vehicles; and providing direct assistance to a survivor in advance of the arrival of a recovery vehicle. Other capabilities are extended visual and electronic searches over land or water, tactical airborne radar approaches and unimproved airfield operations.

A team of three pararescue specialists (PJ's), trained in emergency trauma medicine, harsh environment survival and assisted evasion techniques, is part of the basic mission crew complement.

Features

Combat Air Forces HC-130 aircraft are undergoing extensive modifications. These modifications include night vision goggle-compatible interior and exterior lighting, a personnel locator system compatible with aircrew survival radios, improved digital low-power color radar and forward-looking infrared systems.

The HC-130 can fly in the day against a reduced threat; however, crews normally fly night, low-level, air refueling and airdrop operations using night vision goggles (NVG). It can fly low-level NVG tactical flight profiles to avoid detection. To enhance the probability of mission success and survivability near populated areas, crews employ tactics that include incorporating no external lighting or communications, and avoiding radar and weapons detection.

HC-130 avionics are slated for complete update through Air Mobility Command's Aviation Modernization Program.

Background

The HC-130P/N is the only dedicated fixed-wing combat search and rescue platform in the Air Force inventory. The 71st and 79th Rescue Squadrons (RQS) in the US Air Force's Air Combat Command, the 102nd RQS, 129th RQS and 211th RQS in the Air National Guard, and the 39th RQS and 303rd RQS in the Air Force Reserve Command operate the aircraft.

First flown in 1964, the aircraft has served many roles and missions. It was initially modified to conduct search and rescue missions, provide a command and control platform, in-flight-refuel helicopters and carry supplemental fuel for extending range or air refueling. Some of them had been modified to employ the Fulton surface-to-air recovery system.

In October 2003, the continental U.S. search and rescue mission was transferred to Air Force Special Operations Command at Hurlburt Field, Florida. HC-130s were assigned to Air Combat Command from 1992 to 2003. Previously, they were assigned to the Air Rescue Service as part of Military Airlift Command. Effective October 2006, all USAF CSAR forces will be reassigned to Air Combat Command. They have been deployed to Italy, Kyrgyzstan, Kuwait, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Uzbekistan, Djibouti, and Iraq in support of Operations Southern and Northern Watch, Allied Force, Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom. HC-130s also support continuous alert commitments in Alaska, and provide rescue coverage for space shuttle operations in Florida.

Specifications

General characteristics

• Primary function: Air refueling for combat search and rescue helicopters
• Manufacturer: Lockheed Aircraft Corp.
• Powerplant: Four Allison T56-A-15 turboprop engines
• Power: 4,910 shaft horsepower (3.7 MW) each engine
• Length: 98 ft 9 in (30.09 m)
• Height: 38 ft 6 in (11.7 m)
• Maximum takeoff weight: 155,000 pounds (70,300 kg)
• Wingspan: 132 ft 7 in (40.4 m)
• Speed: 289 miles per hour (465 km/h) at sea level
• Ceiling: 33,000 ft (10,000 m)
• Range: beyond 4,000 miles (6,400 km)
• Crew: Three officers (pilot, co-pilot, navigator) and seven enlisted (flight engineer, airborne communications specialist, two loadmasters and three pararescuemen)
• Unit cost: $18.4 million (fiscal 98 constant dollars)
• Date deployed: 1964
• Inventory:
  • Active force: 13
  • ANG: 13
  • Reserve: 10

See also

• List of Lockheed aircraft

Modern USAF Series	Miscellaneous
Attack--OA/A-10,AC-130H/U	RC-135V/RC-135W Rivet Joint
Bomber--B-52,-2,-1B,F-117A	OC-135B Open Skies
Fighter--F-15/E ,F-16	KC-10 Extender
Electronic--E-3,-4B,-8C EC-130E/J,H	KC-135 Stratotanker
Transport--C-5,-17,-141B, -20,-21	MC-130E/H HC-130P/N
C-22B, -32, -130, -37, -40B/C	MC-130P Combat Shadow
Trainers--T-1A, -37, -38, -43, -6	MH-53J/M Pave Low
Weather--WC-130, -135	HH-60G Pave Hawk
UAV--RQ-1/MQ-1 UAV, Global Hawk	UH-1N Huey
	U-2S/TU-2S
	VC-25 - Air Force One