C-130 Hercules by Martin W Bowman

Author:Martin W Bowman
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: HISTORY / Military / Aviation
ISBN: 9781473863200
Publisher: Pen and Sword
Published: 2017-07-30T04:00:00+00:00

A standard system of special forces avionics equips the MC-130W: a fully integrated Global Positioning System and Inertial Navigation System, an AN/APN-241 Low Power Colour weather/navigation radar; interior and exterior NVG-compatible lighting; advanced threat detection and automated countermeasures, including active infrared countermeasures as well as chaff and flares; upgraded communication suites, including dual satellite communications using data burst transmission to make trackback difficult; aerial refuelling capability; and the ability to act as an aerial tanker for helicopters and CV-22 Osprey aircraft using Mk 32B-902E refuelling pods.

The MC-130Ws are assigned to the 73rd Special Operations Squadron at Cannon Air Force Base, New Mexico, with all twelve to be operational by 2010. Initially nicknamed the ‘Whiskey’ (NATO phonetic for the ‘W’ modifier), the MC-130W was officially dubbed the ‘Combat Spear’ in May 2007 to honour the historical legacy of the Combat Talons in Việtnam.

Beginning in 1997 studies of the vulnerability of the non-stealthy MC-130 force reflected concerns about its viability in modern high-threat environments, including the prevalence of manportable air-defence systems (‘MANPADs’) in asymmetric conflicts. At least two studies were conducted or proposed to explore the prospect of a replacement aircraft (known variously as ‘MC-X’ or ‘M-X’), with USAF at that time hoping for an Initial Operating Capability date of 2018. One analyst questioned the survivability of slow nonstealthy platforms such as the MC-130 in future threat environments in a 2007 presentation to the Centre for Strategic and International Studies and stated his opinion that development of a stealthy replacement for the MC-130 is a ‘strategic priority’. The US ‘ Department of Defence’s 2006 Quadrennial Defence Review Report also recognized the concern, asserting DoD’s intention to ‘enhance capabilities to support SOF insertion and extraction into denied areas from strategic distances.’

Despite these concerns, the USAF decided to proceed with modernization of the current force. The Air Force has stated it desires 37 MC-130Js to replace its MC-130Es and MC-130Ps, which are forty or more years old. Based on the KC-130J tanker operated by the USMC, the new MC-130J has added features for both combat search and rescue and special operations missions. The HC-130J and MC-130J both use the KC-130J tanker as a baseline, but with major modifications to the Block 6.5 KC-130J. The MC-130J adds an Enhanced Service Life Wing, an Enhanced Cargo Handling System, a Universal Aerial Refuelling Receptacle Slipway Installation (UARRSI) boom refuelling receptacle, more powerful electrical generators, an electro-optical/infrared sensor, a combat systems operator station on the flight deck, provisions for the Large Aircraft Infrared Countermeasures System and armour.

Production of the first MC-130J aircraft was started at Lockheed Martin’s facility in Marietta, Georgia on 5 October 2009. Lockheed Martin will build an MC-130J tanker version for Air Force Special Operations Command on its standard C-130J production line. The MC-130J is the first C-130 specifically built for special operations, making it lighter and more efficient. Most special operations aircraft are modified after production to accommodate special operations missions. The MC-130J was initially dubbed the ‘Combat Shadow II’ in honour of the

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