MC-130 Combat Talon
Transport / 19,000 shp / 164,000 lbs / Quad Turboprop
Year: Introduced 2011 (MC-130J variant)
Role: Special operations transport / infiltration & aerial refueling
Crew: 2 pilots, 2 combat systems officers
Engine: 4 × Rolls-Royce AE 2100D3 turboprops
Thrust: 4,637 shp (3,458 kW) each
Top Speed: ~416 mph (Mach 0.59 / 670 km/h) at altitude
Combat Range: ~2,700 mi (4,345 km) without refueling
Ferry Range: ~4,000+ mi (6,437+ km)
Service Ceiling: 28,000 ft (8,534 m)
Rate of Climb: ~2,000 ft/min (10.2 m/s)
Empty Weight: ~88,000 lbs (39,916 kg)
Max Takeoff Weight (MTOW): 164,000 lbs (74,389 kg)
Length: 97.8 ft (29.8 m)
Wingspan: 132.6 ft (40.4 m)
Armament: None (unarmed; defensive systems only)
The MC-130 series is a specialized family of U.S. Air Force aircraft developed from the C-130 Hercules platform and designed to support special operations forces. Since its introduction in the 1960s with the MC-130E Combat Talon I, the series has played a vital role in infiltration, exfiltration, aerial refueling of helicopters and tiltrotors, and low-level night missions in hostile environments. Over time, variants like the MC-130H Combat Talon II and MC-130P Combat Shadow added improved avionics, terrain-following radar, and advanced electronic countermeasures. The latest version, the MC-130J Commando II, offers modernized systems, more powerful engines, and increased range and survivability. Known for operating in high-risk, denied areas, the MC-130 fleet is a critical enabler of U.S. and allied special operations worldwide.
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