Lockheed MC-130 Combat Talon (I / II)

History of Lockheed MC-130 Combat Talon (I/II)

The MC-130 series is represented by the MC-130E Combat Talon I and MC-130H Combat Talon II systems. Both use the highly successful C-130 Hercules airframe, designed for special forces use but also used in humanitarian work, which has been in service since the Vietnam War. Their main task is to deploy/extract special forces and deliver cargo to these forces while fighting behind enemy lines. Both families of aircraft remain in service with the U.S.

Air Force, with 20 active MC-130Hs and 10 reserve MC-130Es.

Although similar in many respects, each Combat Talon variant has a different internal computer and avionics package. However, the Combat Talon I was designed in the 1960s, and the Combat Talon II was a much-improved version of this base platform, although the two functioned similarly.

The Combat Talon series is powered by Allison series T56-A-15 turboprop engines, two of which are mounted high on each wing, moving away from the ground when landing. Access is through a large rear-opening cargo door, which can accommodate the following people:

MC-130E: 53 soldiers or 26 paratroopers plus a standard crew of 9.

MC-130H: 77 soldiers or 52 paratroopers. The variant also lists a standard staff member carrying about 57 medical patients instead of emergency services personnel and seven.

The MC-130 has an operational range of up to 4,344 km, but can be extended indefinitely with aerial refueling capabilities. Crews are assisted by an all-terrain avoidance radar system, all-weather capability and global positioning systems, and both aircraft have extensive systems designed to detect and respond to potential threats to the aircraft by ground forces.

The MC-130E appeared in 1966 and conducted combat operations over Vietnam. The system also appeared in the failed rescue of American hostages in Iran in 1980. Later, the system served Airborne Ranger agents well in the 1983 Grenada War, the first Gulf War, and most recently the Afghanistan and Iraq wars.

The MC-130H entered service in 1992 and has served in Liberia, Republic of Congo, Kosovo/Bosnia, Afghanistan and Iraq.

In addition to serving special forces and non-combatants, the MC-130 Combat Talon can also provide rear cargo bay bombs and flyers, as well as refuel other aircraft in flight.

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