MC-130
From Free net encyclopedia
| MC-130 Combat Talon | ||
|---|---|---|
| Image:MC-130EH.jpg | ||
| Description | ||
| Role | Infiltration, exfiltration and resupply of special operations forces | |
| Crew: | ||
| MC-130E: 9 | ||
| MC-130H: 7 | ||
| Entered Service: | ||
| MC-130E: 1966 | ||
| MC-130H: 1991 | ||
| Manufacturer | Lockheed | |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | ||
| MC-130E | 100 ft 10 in | 30.65 meters |
| MC-130H | 99 ft 9 in | 30.40 meters |
| Wingspan | 132 ft 7 in | 40.41 m |
| Height | 38 ft 6 in | 11.74 m |
| Wing area | ft² | m² |
| Weights | ||
| Empty | lb | kg |
| Loaded | lb | kg |
| Maximum takeoff | 155,000 lb | 70,300 kg |
| Capacity: | ||
| MC-130E | 53 troops, 26 paratroopers | |
| MC-130H | 77 troops, 52 paratroopers or 57 litter patients | |
| Powerplant | ||
| Engines | Four Allison T56-A-15 turboprop engines | |
| Power | 4,910 hp each | 3,660 kW each |
| Performance | ||
| Maximum speed | 300 mph | 480 km/h |
| Combat Range | 2,700 mi | 4,350 km |
| Ferry Range | mi | km |
| Service ceiling | 33,000 ft | 10,000 m |
| Rate of climb | ft/min | m/min |
| Wing loading | lb/ft² | kg/m² |
| Power/Mass | hp/lb | kW/kg |
| Avionics | ||
| Avionics | Terrain-following and terrain-avoidance radars, ECM | |
| Armament | ||
| None | ||
The MC-130E/H Combat Talon I/II is a special operations variant of the C-130 aircraft operated by the United States Air Force.
Contents |
Mission
The MC-130E Combat Talon I and MC-130H Combat Talon II provide infiltration, exfiltration and resupply of special operations forces and equipment in hostile or denied territory. Secondary missions include psychological operations and helicopter air refueling
Features
Both aircraft feature terrain-following and terrain-avoidance radars capable of operations as low as 250 feet in adverse weather conditions. Structural changes to a basic C-130 include the addition of an in-flight refueling receptacle, and strengthening of the tail to allow high speed/low-signature airdrop. Their navigation suites include dual ring-laser gyros, mission computers and integrated global positioning system. They can locate, and either land or airdrop on small, unmarked zones with pinpoint accuracy day or night.
An extensive electronic warfare suite enables the aircrew to detect and avoid potential threats. If engaged, the system will protect the aircraft from both radar and infrared-guided threats. Currently, the MC-130E is equipped with aerial refueling pods to provide in-flight refueling of Special Operations Forces and combat search and rescue helicopters. The MC-130H is currently being modified to provide this capability.
The primary difference between the MC-130E and MC-130H involves the degree of integration of the mission computers and avionics suite. The Combat Talon I was conceived originally and developed during the 1960s, and although extensively upgraded in the 1980-90s it still features analog instrumentation and does not fully integrate the sensors and communications suites. The Combat Talon II, designed in the 1980s, features an integrated Glass cockpit which improves crew coordination and reduces the crew complement by two.
See also
Source
- USAF Website – This article contains information from a US Government website, in the public domain.
| Modern USAF Series | |
|---|---|
| Attack | OA/A-10,AC-130H/U |
| Bomber | B-52,-2,-1B,F-117A |
| Fighter | F-15/E ,F-16 |
| Electronic | E-3,-4B,-8C EC-130E/J,H |
| Transport | C-5,-17,-141B, -20,-21, C-22B, -32, -130, -37A, -40B/C |
| Trainers | T-1, -37, -38, -43, -6 |
| Weather | WC-130, -135 |
| UAV | RQ-1/MQ-1 UAV, Global Hawk |
| Miscellaneous | RC-135V/RC-135W Rivet Joint OC-135B Open Skies KC-10 Extender KC-135 Stratotanker MC-130E/H HC-130P/N MC-130P Combat Shadow MH-53J/M Pave Low HH-60G Pave Hawk UH-1N Huey U-2S/TU-2S VC-25 - Air Force One |
|
Lists of Aircraft | Aircraft manufacturers | Aircraft engines | Aircraft engine manufacturers Airports | Airlines | Air forces | Aircraft weapons | Missiles | Timeline of aviation |