MC-130E Combat Talon

The MC‑130E Combat Talon is a specialized variant of the Lockheed C‑130 Hercules developed in the early 1970s to meet the United States Air Force’s need for a covert, low‑level intruder capable of supporting special‑operations missions. First delivered in 1973, the aircraft entered service with the 1st Special Operations Wing and later formed the backbone of the Air Force’s “Talon” fleet during the Vietnam War and subsequent conflicts. Its airframe retains the sturdy four‑engine turboprop design of the Hercules, but it incorporates reinforced landing gear, a strengthened wing structure, and a suite of avionics for terrain‑following radar, forward‑looking infrared, and encrypted communications. The MC‑130E can perform night‑time airdrops, low‑altitude penetration, and in‑flight refueling of helicopters and other fixed‑wing assets, thanks to its retractable refueling probe. Unique features include side‑door and rear‑cargo‑ramp modifications that allow rapid insertion of troops and equipment. The Combat Talon’s ability to operate in hostile, denied airspace made it indispensable for covert insertions, resupply of forward operating bases, and psychological‑operations missions. Its legacy informed the development of later Special Operations platforms such as the MC‑130J, cementing the Talon’s place as a pivotal milestone in modern military aviation.

Lockheed Corporation

MC-130E Combat Talon

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Design & Classification