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Lockheed HC-130J Combat King II

2013 MODERN AIRCRAFT

History of the Lockheed HC-130J Combat King II

The Lockheed HC-130J "Battle King II" is a long-range Search and Rescue (SAR) / aerial refueling platform used by the United States Air Force (USAF), based on the improved KC-130J aerial refueling vehicle. As the HC-130P and The successor to the HC-130N, it continues the popular line of high-wing aircraft that began with the classic Lockheed C-130 Hercules.

Combat King II is used to recover Allied personnel through advanced airborne systems and robust short takeoff and landing capabilities, as well as rough field operations.

The first flight of the prototype was recorded on July 29, 2010. Operational capability was achieved in 2013.

The Combat King II retains the same basic design layout as the C-130 and includes its role-specific mission gear. These include an improved navigation system and a suite of onboard countermeasures, while threat detection has been expanded over previous offerings.

The aircraft is also designed to provide fuel to other onboard components, and its cargo compartment is instructed to act as an airdrop. The HC-130J combines the performance of the HC-130/MC-130 series (both related to the original C-130) into a modern military end product.

It typically operates at night to minimize its impact on ground fire and the threat of launching missiles.

This model is powered by 4 Rolls-Royce AE2100D3 turboprop engines, distributed in pairs on each wing element. Each engine produces approximately 4,590 horsepower, giving the aircraft an operating weight of nearly 89,000 pounds and a maximum takeoff weight of 164,000 pounds. Top speed is around 365 mph and the range is over 4,000 miles.

The operating limit is listed as 33,000 feet.

Dimensions include 132' 7" wingspan, 97' 9" length and 38' 9" height. Payload is 35,000 lbs. The basic crew consists of five people, including two pilots, a Combat Systems Officer (CSO), and two dedicated loading supervisors.