KC-130 Hercules

KC-130 Hercules
A KC-130J from VMGR-252 flies over Mediterranean Sea, June 15, 2014
Role	Tanker (aircraft) / Transport, Overwatch / Ground support ((Harvest HAWK variant)).
National origin	United States
Manufacturer	Lockheed Lockheed Martin
Introduction	KC-130F: 1962 KC-130R: 1976 KC-130T: 1983 KC-130J: April 2004
Retired	KC-130F (2006) KC-130R (2007)
Status	Active
Primary users	United States Marine Corps Royal Canadian Air Force
Number built	KC-130B: 6 KC-130F: 46 KC-130H: 33 KC-130R: 14 KC-130T: 28 KC-130J: 42
Unit cost	$37 million (KC-130T) $71.07 million USD (FY 2014) (KC-130J)
Developed from	Lockheed C-130 Hercules Lockheed Martin C-130J Super Hercules
Developed into	Lockheed Martin HC-130J Lockheed Martin MC-130J

The Lockheed Martin KC-130 is the basic designation for a family of the extended-range tanker version of the C-130 Hercules transport aircraft modified for aerial refueling. The KC-130J is the latest variant operated by the United States Marine Corps, with 48 delivered out of 79 ordered. It replaced older KC-130F, KC-130R, and KC-130T variants, while one USMC reserve unit still operates 12 KC-130T aircraft.

The KC-130F made its first test flight in January 1960 as the GV-1 under the old Navy designation system. First entering service in 1962, the KC-130F was designed to undertake aerial refueling missions in support of USMC aircraft. It was developed from the Lockheed C-130 Hercules.

The newest Hercules, the KC-130J, shares 55 percent of the same airframe as preceding models, but in fact is a greatly improved airplane. It is based on the Lockheed Martin C-130J Super Hercules and provides significant increases in operational capability and performance margins over preceding KC-130F/R/T (legacy) aircraft. Additionally, The KC-130J reduces cost of ownership through system reliability and reduced maintenance man-hours per flight hour.

The new HC-130J combat rescue tanker and MC-130J special operations tanker are both derived from a KC-130J baseline.

Technological development has led to the incorporation of interior/exterior night vision lighting, night vision goggle head-up displays, global positioning system, and jam-resistant radios. Some KC-130s are also equipped with defensive electronic and infrared countermeasures systems.

The KC-130 is a multi-role, multi-mission tactical tanker/transport which provides the refueling support required by the USMC for its aircraft. This versatile asset provides in-flight refueling to both tactical aircraft and helicopters within a 500-nautical-mile (930 km) operating radius, as well as rapid ground refueling when required. Additional tasks performed are aerial delivery of troops and cargo, emergency resupply into unimproved landing zones within the objective or battle area, emergency medical evacuation, tactical insertion of combat troops and equipment, and evacuation missions.