Lockheed MC-130J Commando II

History of the Lockheed MC-130J Commando II

The Lockheed MC-130J "Commando II" is the U.S. Air Force's airborne refueling platform for refueling Special Operations Forces (SOF) helicopters and tilt-rotor units. An offshoot of the long-running Lockheed C-130 Hercules, the MC-130J retains most of the form and function of its original design. The MC-130J introduced a head-up display (HUD) for pilot position, an all-glass cockpit, new turboprop engines and an in-flight refueling pod as part of its retrofit. The Commando II, designed for low-altitude operations over enemy territory, is often flown as a nighttime intruder to remain unobtrusive and increase crew survivability.

The Air Force expects to have about 37 MC-130Js in stock by the end of 2017, and the MC-130J production line is expected to replace older stockpiles of MC-130E and MC-130P aircraft. The Model J was first delivered to Cannon Air Force Base in New Mexico in 2011.

In addition to refueling capabilities, the MC-130J can be used to resupply special operations forces and extract/drop operational elements and required supplies. It retains the cargo capacity of the C-130 as well as the rear powered doors. The high-wing design provides excellent control at low altitudes and speeds, while also allowing for a landing on rough terrain when required. At the heart of the C-130's design is short takeoff and landing (STOL), and the MC-130J provides that quality.

Primarily used for refueling, the MC-130J is equipped with four underwing pods, two on each wing, located between the two engines on each wing.

The MC-130J typically consists of a crew of five, including two pilots, a Combat Systems Officer (CSO), and two loading supervisors responsible for cargo management. The cockpit has access to 13 full-color multi-function displays (MFDs) as well as digital autopilot functions.

Color radar supports mission awareness, as does the digital moving map display (MMD). Internal systems have improved over previous C-130 iterations in terms of de-icing, fuel efficiency and general cargo management. GPS navigation and inertial navigation are standard, as are electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) systems.

Voice and data are transmitted and secured via satellite communication devices.

The dimensions of the MC-130J include a wingspan of 132 feet 7 inches, a length of 97 feet 9 inches, and a height of 38 feet 10 inches. Maximum takeoff weight is 164,000 lbs.

The key to the success of the new MC-130J is its 4 x Rolls-Royce AE-2100D3 turboprop engines. These drive six-blade composite propellers with 4,590 shaft horsepower. Combined with its sturdy body, the Commando II can reach speeds of 415 mph and up to 28,000 feet.

The range is listed at 3,000 miles, giving the Commando II's expansive range for special forces missions.

The MC-130J Commando II has been favored by special forces since its introduction.

Specification

Basic

Production

Roles

Dimensions

Weight

Performance

Performance

Armor

The P-38s dominance in Europe and the Pacific began to take second place with the arrival of more capable air mounts arriving in ever growing numbers, particularly in Europe. The P-38 was, therefore, relegated more and more to undergo strike sorties and less and less needed for the bomber escort or air dominance roles.

In the Pacific, it was a different matter when the endless surface of ocean required a long range fighter like the P-38 from established air bases. No fewer than 27 squadrons were fielded in this theater and seven of the top eight aces in the Pacific all flew P-38s.

In the end, the P-38 Lightning would become the symbolic trademark of Lockheed's first and hugely successful foray into the world of military aviation design (and production for that matter). The P-38 would also become a much beloved classic warfighter at air shows around the globe in the decades following, showcasing its war-winning design with distinct performance and acrobatic capabilities. Several other unique attempts designed at "benefitting" the existing system failed to advance beyond the prototype stage.

Among those were the XP-49 "Super Lightning" and the XP-58 "Chain Lightning" - both detailed elsewhere on this site.

Perhaps the most notable single mission involving a P-38 in World War 2 came about on April 18th, 1943, which saw a P-38 take down a seemingly average Japanese G4M "Betty" transport aircraft - and with it - Japanese Commander-in-Chief Admiral Isoroku Yamamoto, surely an irreplaceable blow to the Japanese war effort. Lt Thomas Lanphier, credited with the downing of Admiral Yamamoto's aircraft, went on to become a Lockheed test pilot.

The legend of the Lightning would live on in the Lockheed annals as the company later bestowed the designation of "Lightning II" to their new F-35 multirole fighter platform, ensuring the excellent legacy continues for future aviation generations.

American ace, Richard Bong, earned his legacy while flying the P-38. His 40 air kills (all gained while flying the Lightning in the Pacific Theater) were tops among all American airmen in the war.

He survived the war and later died on August 6th, 1945, when flying a P-80A Shooting Star jet-powered fighter as a test pilot under employ with Lockheed. The aircrafts primary fuel pump had failed and Bong did not have the appropriate altitude to make a safe parachute landing.

Lockheed P-38 Lightning Specification

BASICS

MANUFACTURING

ROLES

DIMENSIONS

WEIGHTS

POWER

PERFORMANCE

ARMAMENT

VARIANTS