Lockheed Martin MC-130J Commando II

First flying 69 years ago, the Lockheed Hercules is a four-engine military transport plane that has seen extensive service throughout NATO and other nations around the world. The Hercules is still in production as the C-130J Super Hercules. In addition to transport, operators of the C-130 have found a variety of different uses for the type. This has included being a gunship armed with artillery cannons, search and rescue, scientific research, aerial refuelling, electronic combat and maritime patrol to name but a few. Whilst the C-130J is still in production and is still receiving new orders, the RAF were the launch customer for this new version of the Hercules in 1995 and will be retiring their last example shortly before this year’s Air Tattoo.

The USAF operates the original C-130 and the C-130J in a variety of mission fits, some so specialised that they receive their own designation. The MC-130 family of USAF Hercules are configured for special operations and are flown by the Special Operations Command. Their primary missions are infiltration, exfiltration and resupply of special forces plus the aerial refuelling of special operations rotary assets. The latest version of the MC-130 is the MC-130J Commando II and a fleet of 37 aircraft has been acquired.

The 67th Special Operations Squadron of the 352nd Special Operations Wing based at RAF Mildenhall in Suffolk will be sending one of their MC-130Js to RIAT 2024 in support of our celebration of 75 years of NATO.

Photo Credit: Geert Van de Put