MC-130W Combat Spear

The MC‑130W Combat Spear is a specialized variant of the Lockheed C‑130 Hercules family, developed by Lockheed Corporation in the late 1990s to meet the United States Air Force’s need for a dedicated, low‑observable, multi‑role special‑operations platform. First delivered to the 352nd Special Operations Group in 2000, the aircraft combined the proven airframe of the C‑130J with upgraded avionics, a defensive‑aids suite, and a suite of precision‑navigation equipment such as the Inertial Navigation System and GPS/INS integration. Unique to the Combat Spear are its enhanced electronic‑warfare capabilities, including the AN/ALQ‑176 jammer, and modular weapon stations that can carry AGM‑114 Hellfire missiles, GPS‑guided bombs, and a variety of pistols for close‑air support. The aircraft’s six‑engine turboprop design provides excellent short‑takeoff and short‑landing performance, enabling insertion and extraction of special‑operations forces from austere, high‑altitude environments. Over its service life, the MC‑130W contributed to operations in Afghanistan, Iraq, and the Horn of Africa, demonstrating the value of a rugged, all‑weather penetrator that can operate under night‑vision and adverse weather conditions. Though retired in 2020, the Combat Spear’s legacy endures in the newer MC‑130J Commando II, cementing its significance in modern aviation and special‑operations doctrine.

Lockheed Corporation

MC-130W Combat Spear

Classification

Design & Classification