The Lockheed Martin C-130J Super Hercules is a four-engine turboprop military transport aircraft. The C-130J is a comprehensive update of the Lockheed C-130 Hercules, with new engines, flight deck, and other systems. The Hercules family has the longest continuous production run of any military aircraft in history. During more than 60 years of service, the family has participated in military, civilian, and humanitarian aid operations. The Hercules has outlived several planned successor designs, most notably the Advanced Medium STOL Transport contestants. Fifteen nations have placed orders for a total of 300 C-130Js, of which 250 aircraft have been delivered as of February 2012
The C-130J Super Hercules is the most recent and advanced version of the venerable C-130 family. While it looks similar to the “Legacy” Hercules from the outside, it is a completely different aircraft under the skin. Featuring more powerful engines, a digital “glass” cockpit, and automated systems that allow for a reduced crew size, the “J-model” flies higher, faster, and farther than any of its predecessors. It remains the only military transport aircraft in history to remain in continuous production for over 60 years.
Attribute
Technical Specification (C-130J)
Role
Tactical Airlift / Multi-Role Transport
Crew
3 (2 Pilots and 1 Loadmaster)
Powerplant
4 × Rolls-Royce AE 2100D3 turboprops
Horsepower
4,637 shp (3,458 kW) per engine
Propellers
Dowty R391 6-blade composite “Scimitar”
Maximum Speed
417 mph (671 km/h / Mach 0.59)
Max Payload
42,000 lbs (Standard) / 44,000 lbs (C-130J-30)
Service Ceiling
28,000 feet (with 42,000 lb payload)
Advanced Technology & Efficiency
Digital Glass Cockpit: The J-model replaced the hundreds of analog gauges of the E and H models with four large liquid crystal displays (LCDs). It also introduced Head-Up Displays (HUDs) for both pilots, allowing them to fly low-level missions without taking their eyes off the horizon.
Advanced Propulsion: The AE 2100D3 engines are 25% more powerful and 15% more fuel-efficient than earlier models. The distinct six-bladed composite propellers are lighter and provide much higher thrust at low speeds.
Reduced Crew: Thanks to the high level of automation and the Station Keeping System (SKS), the C-130J eliminated the need for a dedicated Navigator and Flight Engineer, reducing the standard crew from five to three.
Enhanced Cargo Handling: The J-model includes an Enhanced Cargo Handling System (ECHS) that allows for quicker reconfiguration between paratroop missions, palletized cargo, or vehicle transport.
Variations and Versatility
The “Stretch” (C-130J-30): The most common version in service today is the C-130J-30, which features a 15-foot fuselage extension (two plugs), allowing for two additional cargo pallets or significantly more paratroopers.
The Special Ops Fleet: The J-model airframe serves as the basis for the AC-130J Ghostrider gunship, the MC-130J Commando II for special operations, and the HC-130J Combat King II for search and rescue.
The KC-130J: Used extensively by the U.S. Marine Corps, this version acts as a tactical tanker, capable of refueling both helicopters and fixed-wing fighters while also carrying cargo.
Worldwide Operator Base: The C-130J is used by nearly 20 nations, including the UK, Australia, India, and Canada, ensuring its status as the “backbone” of global tactical airlift for the 21st century.
Mitsubishi G4M – Photos & Videos
Nieuport 27 – Photos & Videos
Martin 4-0-4 – Photos & Videos
Bristol F.2 Fighter – Photos & Videos
Northrop JB-1 Bat – Photos & Videos
Convair F2Y Sea Dart – Photos & Videos
Miles Magister – Photos & Videos
Lockheed Martin X-35 – Photos & Videos
KFIR C-1 – WalkAround
MiG-29 – WalkAround