Lockheed HC-130
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| HC-130 Hercules | |
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| An USAF HC-130P of the 920th Rescue Wing refuels an HH-60 Pave Hawk helicopter | |
| Role | combat search and rescue aircraft |
| National origin | United States |
| Manufacturer | Lockheed Lockheed Martin |
| First flight | 1964 |
| Primary users | United States Air Force United States Coast Guard |
| Developed from | C-130 Hercules |
The HC-130 is an extended-range, combat search and rescue (CSAR) version of the C-130 Hercules transport. HC-130H and HC-130J versions are operated by the United States Coast Guard and HC-130N and HC-130P/N models are operated by the United States Air Force, who use the aircraft to extend the range of combat search and rescue helicopters by providing air refueling and on scene CSAR command and control.
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[edit] Development
First flown in 1964, the aircraft has served many roles and missions. It was initially modified to conduct search and rescue missions, provide a command and control platform, in-flight-refuel helicopters and carry supplemental fuel for extending range or air refueling. Some of them had been modified to employ the Fulton surface-to-air recovery system.
The HC-130 can fly in the day against a reduced threat; however, crews normally fly night, low-level, air refueling and airdrop operations using night vision goggles (NVG). It can fly low-level NVG tactical flight profiles to avoid detection. To enhance the probability of mission success and survivability near populated areas, crews employ tactics that include incorporating no external lighting or communications, and avoiding radar and weapons detection.
Secondary mission capabilities include performing tactical airdrops of pararescue specialist teams, small bundles, zodiac watercraft, or four-wheel drive all-terrain vehicles; and providing direct assistance to a survivor in advance of the arrival of a recovery vehicle. Other capabilities are extended visual and electronic searches over land or water, tactical airborne radar approaches and unimproved airfield operations. A team of three Pararescuemen (PJ's), trained in emergency trauma medicine, harsh environment survival and assisted evasion techniques, is part of the basic mission crew complement.
Combat Air Forces HC-130 aircraft are undergoing extensive modifications. These modifications include night vision-compatible interior and exterior lighting, a personnel locator system compatible with aircrew survival radios, improved digital low-power color radar and forward-looking infrared systems.
[edit] Operational history
[edit] Coast Guard operations
The USCG operates 27 HC-130H aircraft from five bases around the U.S., CGAS Sacramento, CGAS Clearwater, CGAS Elizabeth City, CGAS Kodiak and CGAS Barbers Point.[1] The aircraft are used for search and rescue, enforcement of laws and treaties, illegal drug interdiction, marine environmental protection, military readiness, International Ice Patrol missions, as well as cargo and personnel transport.[2]
[edit] Air Force operations
The HC-130N/P is the only dedicated fixed-wing combat search and rescue platform in the Air Force inventory. The 71st and 79th Rescue Squadrons (RQS) in the US Air Force's Air Combat Command, the 102nd RQS, 129th RQS and 211th RQS in the Air National Guard, and the 39th RQS and 303rd RQS in the Air Force Reserve Command operate the aircraft.
In October 2003, the Continental U.S. (CONUS) search and rescue (SAR) mission was transferred to Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC) at Hurlburt Field, Florida. HC-130s were assigned to Air Combat Command (ACC) from 1992 to 2003. Previously, they were assigned to the Air Rescue Service as part of Military Airlift Command (MAC).
In October 2006, all USAF CSAR forces were reassigned back to Air Combat Command. The CONUS SAR mission was also transferred back to ACC. However, the Air Force Rescue Coordination Center (AFRCC) that had been previously located at McClellan Air Force Base, California and Scott Air Force Base, Illinois under MAC and at Langley Air Force Base, Virginia under ACC, was relocated to Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida under the control of 1st Air Force, ACC's numbered air force for the Air National Guard.
While under AFSOC and since returning to ACC, USAF, AFRC and ANG HC-130s have been deployed to Italy, Kyrgyzstan, Kuwait, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Uzbekistan, Djibouti, and Iraq in support of Operations Southern and Northern Watch, Allied Force, Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom. HC-130s also support continuous alert commitments in Alaska, and provide rescue coverage for NASA Space Shuttle operations in Florida.
[edit] Variants
- HC-130H
- Specialised rescue version of the C-130H, 55 built (43 for the United States Air Force and 12 for the United States Coast Guard).
- HC-130N
- As HC-130H with equipment changes, 15 built for the United States Air Force.
- HC-130P
- HC-130H with changes for flight refueling of helicopters, refueling pods on underwing pylons, 20 built for the United States Air Force.
[edit] Operators
[edit] Specifications (HC-130H)
Data from USCG Specs[2]
General characteristics
- Crew: 5-7:
- Length: 97 ft 9 in (29.8 m)
- Wingspan: 132 ft 7 in (40.4 m)
- Height: 38 ft 3 in (11.6 m)
- Wing area: 1,745 ft² (162.1 m²)
- Empty weight: 76,780 lb (34,826)
- Max takeoff weight: 175,000 lb (79,379 kg)
- Powerplant: 4× Allison T56-A-15 turboprops, 4,300 shp (3,210 kW) each
Performance
- Maximum speed: 330 knots (380 mph, 611 km/h)
- Cruise speed: 290 knots (333 mph, 537 km/h)
- Range: 4,500 nm (5,178 mi, 8,334 km)
- Service ceiling 33,000 ft (10,000 m)
[edit] References
- ^ "HC-130 "Hercules" Long Range Surveillance Aircraft". Aircraft and Cutters. U.S. Coast Guard (2007-02-16). Retrieved on 2007-08-01.
- ^ a b "HC-130 Hercules Specifications". Retrieved on 2007-09-21.
[edit] See also
Related development
- C-130 Hercules
- C-130J Super Hercules
- AC-130 Spectre/Spooky
- Lockheed DC-130
- Lockheed EC-130
- Lockheed LC-130
- Lockheed MC-130
- Lockheed WC-130
Comparable aircraft
[edit] See also
 |
Wikimedia Commons has media related to: C-130 Hercules |
Related development
Comparable aircraft
Related lists
[edit] References
- ^ "HC-130 "Hercules" Long Range Surveillance Aircraft". Aircraft and Cutters. U.S. Coast Guard (2007-02-16). Retrieved on 2007-08-01.
- ^ a b "HC-130 Hercules Specifications". Retrieved on 2007-09-21.
[edit] External links
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Wikimedia Commons has media related to: C-130 Hercules |
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