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MC-130J Commando II

Mission
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. 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 is 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.

The MC-130J is equipped with a variety of systems that allow it to operate in various austere conditions. 

Background

The MC-130J is replaced the SOF 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, with final delivery expected in fiscal year 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)