Lockheed Corporation
MC-130H Combat Talon II
The MC‑130H Combat Talon II is a specialized variant of the Lockheed C‑130 Hercules designed for covert special‑operations missions. Developed in the early 1980s and entering service with the United States Air Force Special Operations Command in 1987, the Talon II built on the earlier MC‑130E platform, adding advanced avionics, terrain‑following radar, and a comprehensive self‑defence suite. Powered by four Allison T56‑A-15 turboprop engines, the aircraft retains the Hercules’s rugged four‑engine layout and short‑field performance while incorporating reinforced airframes to withstand low‑altitude, high‑speed ingress.
Key features include a digital navigation system with inertial navigation and GPS, a forward‑looking infrared (FLIR) sensor, and a side‑looking airborne radar for precise terrain avoidance. Its cargo bay accommodates up to 42,000 pounds of troops, equipment, or para‑missions, and the interior can be reconfigured for airdrop, low‑level penetration, or medical evacuation.
Since its debut, the Talon II has participated in operations from Panama’s ‘Just Cause’ to the Gulf War, Operation Enduring Freedom, and ongoing counter‑terrorism missions, demonstrating adaptability through continuous avionics upgrades and structural life‑extension programs. The MC‑130H has proven vital in clandestine insertion, extraction, and resupply of special‑operations forces worldwide, influencing later special‑operations aircraft design and cementing its legacy as a cornerstone of modern aerial special‑operations capability.
Key features include a digital navigation system with inertial navigation and GPS, a forward‑looking infrared (FLIR) sensor, and a side‑looking airborne radar for precise terrain avoidance. Its cargo bay accommodates up to 42,000 pounds of troops, equipment, or para‑missions, and the interior can be reconfigured for airdrop, low‑level penetration, or medical evacuation.
Since its debut, the Talon II has participated in operations from Panama’s ‘Just Cause’ to the Gulf War, Operation Enduring Freedom, and ongoing counter‑terrorism missions, demonstrating adaptability through continuous avionics upgrades and structural life‑extension programs. The MC‑130H has proven vital in clandestine insertion, extraction, and resupply of special‑operations forces worldwide, influencing later special‑operations aircraft design and cementing its legacy as a cornerstone of modern aerial special‑operations capability.
Classification
Design & Classification
- Primary Use
- Manufacturer
- Lockheed Corporation
- Military Designation
- MC-130H
- Engine
- T56-A-15
- Operator
-
7th Special Operations Squadron 550th Special Operations Squadron 1st Special Operations Squadron 15th Special Operations Squadron
- Wikidata ID
- Q15476131