Lockheed MC-130

Lockheed MC-130
Země	SPOJENÉ STÁTY
Roli	Vojenské dopravní letouny pro speciální operace
První let	duben 2011
Postaven	100+

Tá Lockheed MC-130 je základní označení pro rodinu letadel pro speciální mise provozovaných Velitelstvím zvláštních operací letectva Spojených států (AFSOC), křídlem Velitelství leteckého vzdělávání a výcviku a křídlem velitelství záloh letectva získaným AFSOC. Na základě transportního letounu Lockheed C-130 Hercules jsou mise MC-130 infiltrace, exfiltrace a doplňování zásob speciálních operačních sil a doplňování paliva za letu (především) vrtulníků pro speciální operace a letadel s naklápěcím rotorem.

Zdroj: Lockheed MC-130 na Wikipedii

Lockheed MC-130P Combat Shadow Procházka kolem
Fotograf	Vladimir Jakubov
Lokalizace	Letecká show Hlavního města
Fotografie	146

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Hercules C-130
Fotograf	Neznámé
Lokalizace	Neznámé
Fotografie	46

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The “Shadow” in the Night

Tá Lockheed MC-130P Combat Shadow was a specialized variant of the C-130 Hercules, operated by the Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC). Its primary mission was the clandestine air-to-air refueling of special operations helicopters, such as the MH-53 Pave Low and MH-60 Pave Hawk. Operating primarily at night and at low altitudes, the Combat Shadow provided the “long legs” necessary for deep-penetration rescue and infiltration missions behind enemy lines.

Attribute	Technical Specification (MC-130P)
Roli	Special Operations Air Refueling / Infiltration
Posádky	7 (2 Pilots, Navigator, Flight Engineer, Radio Operator, 2 Loadmasters)
Pohonná jednotka	4 × Allison T56-A-15 turboprops
Horsepower	4,591 shp (3,425 kW) per engine
Maximum Speed	289 knots (333 mph / 535 km/h)
Refueling Speed	105 to 120 knots (Critical for helicopters)
Service Ceiling	33,000 feet (10,000 m)
Electronic Warfare	ALR-69 Radar Warning, ALE-40 Chaff/Flare dispensers

Critical Engineering and Mission Systems

Low-Speed Aerodynamics: To refuel helicopters safely, the MC-130P had to fly at exceptionally low speeds, often near its stall limit. This required precise throttle management and specialized training for the flight crew.
Dual Drogue Refueling: The aircraft was equipped with two underwing refueling pods (usually the Sargent-Fletcher system). These pods extended hoses with “drogue” baskets that helicopter probes would plug into.
Night Vision Goggle (NVG) Compatible: Every light on the aircraft—inside and out—was modified to be compatible with NVGs. This allowed the “Shadow” to fly “blacked out” during covert operations, remaining invisible to the naked eye while providing a beacon for friendly forces.
Advanced Navigation: Unlike standard C-130s, the MC-130P featured highly accurate self-contained navigation systems, including GPS and Inertial Navigation Systems (INS), to find isolated landing zones or refueling points in total darkness.

Operational Legacy

From HC-130P to MC-130P: Originally designated as the HC-130P for Combat Search and Rescue (CSAR), the aircraft were transferred to AFSOC and re-designated MC-130P in 1996 to reflect their broader special operations role.
Combat Proven: The Combat Shadow saw action in nearly every major U.S. conflict since Vietnam, including Operation Just Cause (Panama), Desert Storm, and the early years of the Global War on Terror.
Rescue at Sea: Beyond combat, the MC-130P was frequently used to drop pararescue (PJ) teams and survival equipment to distressed vessels in the middle of the ocean.
Retirement: The MC-130P was officially retired in 2015, replaced by the more powerful and technologically advanced MC-130J Commando II.