Uploaded January 2025 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago
Lockheed MC-130J Commando II, serail 16-5839 (MSN 382-583) doing 'circuits and bumps' at RAF Fairford on Tuesday 21 January 2025. The aircraft is based at RAF Mildenhall, UK.
Based on the Lockheed C-130 Hercules transport and the KC-130J tanker operated by the United States Marine Corps, the MC-130J has added features for both combat search and rescue and special operations missions. Introducing major modifications to the Block 6.5 KC-130J,
the MC-130J adds an Enhanced Service Life Wing, an Enhanced Cargo Handling System, a Universal Aerial Refueling Receptacle Slipway Installation (UARRSI) boom refueling receptacle, more powerful electrical generators, an electro-optical/infrared sensor, a combat systems officer (CSO) station on the flight deck, provisions for the Large Aircraft Infrared Countermeasures System, and armour.
Production of the first MC-130J was started at Lockheed Martin’s facility in Marietta, Georgia, on 5 October 2009. The MC-130J is the first C-130 specifically built for special operations, making it lighter and more efficient. Most special operations aircraft are modified after production to accommodate special operations missions.
The MC-130J was initially called the Combat Shadow II to honor the service of the aging MC-130P that it was replacing, but was officially named the Commando II in March 2012.
It operates with a 5-member crew, eliminating the CSO navigator and the enlisted flight engineer positions that had been in the Combat Shadow's crew, with the remaining CSO handling electronic warfare as well as the navigation and aerial refuelling duties formerly conducted by the navigator and flight engineer.
The Commando II flies clandestine, or low visibility, single or multiship, low-level infiltration, exfiltration and resupply of special operations forces, by airdrop or airland and air refueling missions for special operations helicopters and tiltrotor aircraft, intruding politically sensitive or hostile territories. Missions are primarily flown at night to reduce the probability of being seen and intercepted. Its secondary mission includes the airdrop of leaflets.
It's air refuellable and features an advanced flight station, fully integrated digital avionics and navigation, auxiliary flight deck stations, and turboprop engines with six-bladed, all-composite propellers. It's also equipped with a variety of systems that allow it to operate in various austere conditions.
It has replaced the Special Operations Force fleet of MC-130E, H and P aircraft. The first MC-130J aircraft was delivered in September 2011 to Cannon Air Force Base, New Mexico, and the final delivery of the 37th aircraft was to the 415th Special Operations Squadron 'Nightstalkers', part of the 58th Special Operations Wing at Kirtland Air Force Base on 14 January 2025.
General Characteristics
Primary Function: Infiltration, exfiltration and resupply of special operations forces by airdrop or airland, air refueling of SOF helicopter/tilt rotor aircraft.
Builder: Lockheed Martin
Power Plant: Four 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)
Maximum Takeoff Weight: 164,000 lbs
Range: 3,000 miles
Crew: 2 Pilots, 1 Combat Systems Officer, and 2 Special Mission Aviators
Date Deployed: 2011
Unit Cost: $114.2M (FY22)
Inventory: Active duty, 57 by fiscal 2025
(Current as of January 2025)
This Video and Audio content is
Copyright © StephenKeeler (HightFlight/SkyHighFlightTV) All Rights Reserved
Lockheed MC-130J Commando II, serail 16-5839 (MSN 382-583) doing 'circuits and bumps' at RAF Fairford on Tuesday 21 January 2025. The aircraft is based at RAF Mildenhall, UK.
Based on the Lockheed C-130 Hercules transport and the KC-130J tanker operated by the United States Marine Corps, the MC-130J has added features for both combat search and rescue and special operations missions. Introducing major modifications to the Block 6.5 KC-130J,
the MC-130J adds an Enhanced Service Life Wing, an Enhanced Cargo Handling System, a Universal Aerial Refueling Receptacle Slipway Installation (UARRSI) boom refueling receptacle, more powerful electrical generators, an electro-optical/infrared sensor, a combat systems officer (CSO) station on the flight deck, provisions for the Large Aircraft Infrared Countermeasures System, and armour.
Production of the first MC-130J was started at Lockheed Martin’s facility in Marietta, Georgia, on 5 October 2009. The MC-130J is the first C-130 specifically built for special operations, making it lighter and more efficient. Most special operations aircraft are modified after production to accommodate special operations missions.
The MC-130J was initially called the Combat Shadow II to honor the service of the aging MC-130P that it was replacing, but was officially named the Commando II in March 2012.
It operates with a 5-member crew, eliminating the CSO navigator and the enlisted flight engineer positions that had been in the Combat Shadow's crew, with the remaining CSO handling electronic warfare as well as the navigation and aerial refuelling duties formerly conducted by the navigator and flight engineer.
The Commando II flies clandestine, or low visibility, single or multiship, low-level infiltration, exfiltration and resupply of special operations forces, by airdrop or airland and air refueling missions for special operations helicopters and tiltrotor aircraft, intruding politically sensitive or hostile territories. Missions are primarily flown at night to reduce the probability of being seen and intercepted. Its secondary mission includes the airdrop of leaflets.
It's air refuellable and features an advanced flight station, fully integrated digital avionics and navigation, auxiliary flight deck stations, and turboprop engines with six-bladed, all-composite propellers. It's also equipped with a variety of systems that allow it to operate in various austere conditions.
It has replaced the Special Operations Force fleet of MC-130E, H and P aircraft. The first MC-130J aircraft was delivered in September 2011 to Cannon Air Force Base, New Mexico, and the final delivery of the 37th aircraft was to the 415th Special Operations Squadron 'Nightstalkers', part of the 58th Special Operations Wing at Kirtland Air Force Base on 14 January 2025.
General Characteristics
Primary Function: Infiltration, exfiltration and resupply of special operations forces by airdrop or airland, air refueling of SOF helicopter/tilt rotor aircraft.
Builder: Lockheed Martin
Power Plant: Four 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)
Maximum Takeoff Weight: 164,000 lbs
Range: 3,000 miles
Crew: 2 Pilots, 1 Combat Systems Officer, and 2 Special Mission Aviators
Date Deployed: 2011
Unit Cost: $114.2M (FY22)
Inventory: Active duty, 57 by fiscal 2025
(Current as of January 2025)
This Video and Audio content is
Copyright © StephenKeeler (HightFlight/SkyHighFlightTV) All Rights Reserved
