Lockheed MC-130P Combat Shadow

The History of the Lockheed MC-130P Combat Shadow

The Lockheed MC-130P "Battle Shadow" made its debut with the U.S. military during the Vietnam War, when it was known as the HC-130P. The series transitioned to No. 28, whose roles evolved from search and rescue, command and control, and aerial refueling to aerial refueling and support for Special Operations Forces (SOF), in 1986 as the MC-130P. The MC-130P remains active in the USAF's inventory, although it is planned to be replaced by the new MC-130J "Commando II" variant with the same role.

The J-model debuted in 2011 and is expected to have a fleet of 37 by the end of 2017.

Like other special forces aircraft, the MC-130P is expected to perform rather dangerous low-altitude flights at night in support of special forces. This allows the system to refuel special operations aircraft, extract/deploy special operations forces, or airdrop supplies and equipment needed.

Underwing pods allow the aircraft to refuel a waiting helicopter or tiltrotor.

The MC-130P retains much of the form and function of the original C-130 "Hercules" series, including its high-wing assembly, four-engine turboprop engine arrangement and vertical stabilizer. The rear of the fuselage is raised to provide the necessary access to the cargo compartment, facilitated by a large electric tailgate.

The landing gear is fairly short, giving the aircraft a very small presence on the ground, but is strong enough for rough field operations and short takeoff and landing procedures (STOL).

The U.S. Air Force uses P-Models in three combat squadrons and one training group. The other four are operated by the Air National Guard.

The Combat Shadow is powered by four Allison T56-A-15 turboprop engines, two mounted on each wing. The system consists of eight people, has a signature ceiling of 33,000 feet, and has a top speed of nearly 300 mph. Range is over 4,000 miles.

Combat Shadow first entered service in 1986 and has served in conflicts such as Panama, Desert Storm, Yugoslavia, Haiti, Bosnia, Liberia, Zaire and more recently Afghanistan and Iraq (Operation Iraqi Freedom).

The MC-130P is equipped with numerous systems to aid aircrews in day and night operations, as well as detect and respond to enemy ground weapon systems. The system includes a head-up display (HUD) for threat detection, night vision (NV), global positioning system (GPS) navigation, and forward-looking infrared (FLIR).

Not only can the MC-130P refuel friendly U.S. Army and Air Force specialty aircraft, it can also be refueled in flight by other tankers. Fourteen such MC-130P models were modified in this way.

Lockheed MC-130P Combat Shadow Specs

Basic

Production

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Dimensions

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Performance

Performance

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