Lockheed MC-130P Combat Shadow

The Lockheed MC‑130P Combat Shadow is a specialized variant of the C‑130 Hercules built by Lockheed Corporation for the United States Air Force Special Operations Command. First delivered in 1986, the MC‑130P was developed to replace aging air‑refuelable special‑operations platforms and to provide dedicated infiltration, exfiltration, and aerial refueling support for clandestine missions. Featuring a strengthened airframe, upgraded Allison T56‑A-15 turboprop engines, and reinforced landing gear, the aircraft can operate from short, unimproved runways and endure harsh environments. Its most distinctive capability is the integrated Fulton‑type aerial refueling system and the “probe‑and‑drogee” refueling pods that enable in‑flight fuel transfers to helicopters and other fixed‑wing assets, extending the range of special‑operations forces. Advanced avionics, night‑vision–compatible flight displays, and a suite of defensive counter‑measure systems provide survivability during low‑altitude night sorties. Over its three‑decade service, the MC‑130P played a critical role in operations such as Desert Storm, Enduring Freedom, and Iraqi Freedom, delivering troops, equipment, and fuel behind enemy lines. Retired in 2020, the Combat Shadow’s legacy endures as a cornerstone of modern air‑refuelable special‑operations capability, influencing the design of its successor, the MC‑130J.

Lockheed Corporation

Lockheed MC-130P Combat Shadow

Classification

Design & Classification