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Lockheed KC-130 Hercules

Lockheed Martin · Tactical Tanker / Transport / Tactical Aerial Refuelling / Transport · USA · Early Jet (1946–1969)

Lockheed KC-130 Hercules — Tactical Tanker / Transport / Tactical Aerial Refuelling / Transport
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The Lockheed Martin KC-130 is a family of the extended-range tanker version of the C-130 Hercules transport aircraft. The KC-130J is the latest variant operated by the United States Marine Corps (USMC), with 74 delivered out of 83 ordered as of December 31, 2023. It replaced older KC-130F, KC-130R, and KC-130T variants for aerial refueling. USMC reserve unit, VMGR-452 operated 12 KC-130T aircraft until May 2021; this was the last USMC reserve unit that operated the legacy KC-130s, completing the Corps' transition to the more advanced Super Hercules.

Specifications

Category
Fixed Wing
Sub-Category
Tanker
Domain
Defence
Era
Early Jet (1946–1969)
Country
USA
Manufacturer
Lockheed Martin
Operator
USMC / multiple nations
Primary Role
Tactical Tanker / Transport / Tactical Aerial Refuelling / Transport
Status
In Service
Service Entry
1960
Produced
600
Unit Cost (2026$)
~$60M
Propulsion
Turboprop
Engine
4x Allison T56-A-16 turboprop
Thrust / Power
4,910 shp each
Launch
Ground
Length (ft)
97.9
Wingspan (ft)
132.6
Empty Weight (lb)
75778
MTOW (lb)
175000
Payload (lb)
92000
Service Ceiling (ft)
28000
Range (mi)
4770
Max Speed (mph)
417
Max Speed (Mach)
0.55