An official website of the United States government
Here's how you know
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

MC-130J Commando II

The MC-130J flies clandestine, or low visibility, single or multiship, low-level air refueling missions for special operations helicopters and tiltrotor aircraft, and infiltration, exfiltration, and resupply of Special Operations Forces by airdrop or airland including 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 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, air refueling pods, Electro Optical/Infrared 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 year 2017.

N/A

211201-F-YZ987-0344

A U.S. Air Force CV-22B Osprey assigned to the 7th Special Operations Squadron, and a MC-130J Commando II assigned to the 67th SOS, conduct aerial refueling training maneuvers over the North Sea Dec. 1, 2021. The continuous training with the air refueling capability ensures the 352nd Special Operations Wing is ready to execute global response operations any place, any time. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Jeremy McGuffin)
Photo Details / Download Hi-Res
N/A

The MC-130J Commando II taxis on a highway landing zone with a HIMARS during a Bi-lateral Swedish Exercise

A U.S. Air Force MC-130J Commando II with the 352d Special Operations Wing taxis on a highway landing zone while transporting a U.S. Army 1st Battalion, 121st Field Artillery Regiment, M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket System during a bi-lateral exercise, Sweden, Oct. 23, 2021. This bi-lateral demonstration underscores, for the first time, the ability of Swedish and U.S. Forces’ ability to quickly employ long-range precision fires across the theater in a time and place of our choosing, while developing the ability to employ flexible capabilities with our partners and allies in the Baltic Sea region. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Westin Warburton)
Photo Details / Download Hi-Res
N/A

MC-130J Military Free Fall in Ukraine

A U.S. Air Force MC-130J Commando II assigned to the 352d Special Operations Wing prepares to pick up Ukrainian Special Operations Forces operators after executing a military free fall, near Vinnytsia, Ukraine, Aug. 17, 2021. Training with our joint and combined allies and partners increases our lethality and enhances interoperability, allowing our forces to counter military aggression and coercion by sharing responsibilities for common defense. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Izabella Workman)
Photo Details / Download Hi-Res


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: 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)
Speed: 362 knots at 22,000 feet
Ceiling: 28,000 feet with 42,000 lb payload
Maximum Takeoff Weight: 164,000 lbs
Range: 3,000 miles
Crew: Two pilots, one Combat Systems Officer (officers), and two Loadmasters (enlisted)
Date Deployed: 2011
Unit Cost: $67 million (fiscal 2010 dollars)
Inventory: Active duty, 37 by fiscal 2017

(Current as of December 2021)