Lockheed KC-130J Super Hercules

The Lockheed KC‑130J Super Hercules, built by Lockheed Martin, is the latest variant of the venerable C‑130 transport family. First introduced in 2000, the KC‑130J entered service with the United States Marine Corps in 2003, replacing older models and updating the platform with modern avionics, more powerful engines, and advanced fuel‑transfer capabilities. Powered by two Rolls‑Royce AE 2100D3 turboprops, the aircraft delivers 6,000 shaft horsepower, providing higher cruise speed, longer range, and improved climb performance. Its digital flight‑deck features a glass cockpit, GPS navigation, and a head‑up display, while an upgraded onboard computer suite enables precise aerial refueling of fixed‑wing and rotary‑wing assets via the “wet” refuel hose system. The KC‑130J can carry up to 42,000 pounds of cargo, transport 92 troops, or accommodate 74 litter patients, making it a versatile workhorse for assault, humanitarian, and disaster‑relief missions. The aircraft’s ability to conduct simultaneous cargo delivery and fuel transfer has reshaped expeditionary logistics, extending the operational reach of Marine aviation worldwide. As a result, the KC‑130J remains a cornerstone of modern air‑mobility, embodying the flexibility and reliability that have defined the Hercules lineage for more than six decades.