U.S. Air Force Fact Sheet

MC-130P COMBAT SHADOW

Mission

The Combat Shadow flies clandestine, or low 

visibility, single or multi-ship low-level air 

refueling missions for special operations 

helicopters, and infiltration, exfiltration, and 

resupply of special operations forces by 

airdrop or airland intruding politically sensitive 

or hostile territories. The MC-130P primarily 

flies missions at night to reduce probability of 

visual acquisition and intercept by airborne 

threats. Its secondary mission includes the 

airdrop of leaflets.

Features

Modifications to the MC-130P feature 

improved navigation, communications, threat detection and countermeasures systems. The 

Combat Shadow fleet has a fully-integrated inertial navigation and global positioning system, 

and night vision goggle compatible interior and exterior lighting. It also has forward looking 

infrared, radar and missile warning receivers, chaff and flare dispensers, night vision goggle 

compatible heads-up display, satellite and data-burst communications, as well as in-flight 

refueling capability as a receiver (on 14 aircraft).

The Combat Shadow can fly in the day against a low threat. The crews fly night low-level, air 

refueling and formation operations using night vision goggles. To enhance the probability of 

mission success and survivability near populated areas, employment tactics incorporate no 

external lighting and no communications to avoid radar and weapons detection.

Background

MC-130Ps were previously designated HC-130N/P. However, the "H" designation is a rescue 

and recovery mission code and not representative of the aircraft's special operations role. In 

February 1996, Air Force Special Operations Command's tanker fleet was redesignated MC130P aircraft, aligning the Combat Shadow with other M-series special operations mission 

aircraft. The aircraft have been part of the special operations mission since the mid-1980s. They 

provided critical air refueling to Army and Air Force helicopters during Operation Just Cause in 

Panama in 1989. In 1990, the aircraft deployed to Saudi Arabia and Turkey for Operation 

Desert Storm and provided air refueling of special operations helicopters over friendly and 

hostile territory. 

Since Desert Storm, the MC-130P has been involved in many operations: Northern and 

Southern Watch, Deny Flight in Yugoslavia, Restore Democracy and Uphold Democracy in 

Haiti, Deliberate Force and Joint Endeavor in Bosnia, Assured Response in Liberia, Guardian 

Retrieval from Zaire, Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan and Iraqi Freedom. 

The Combat Shadow has supported and participated in numerous evacuations, and search and 

humanitarian relief operations missions, and continues this support today. 

General Characteristics

Primary Function: Air refueling for special operation forces helicopters

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Builder: Lockheed

Power Plant: Four Allison T56-A-15 turboprop engines

Thrust: 4,910 shaft horsepower each engine

Wingspan: 132 feet, 7 inches (40.4 meters) 

Length: 98 feet, 9 inches (30.09 meters)

Height: 38 feet, 6 inches (11.7 meters)

Speed: 289 mph (at sea level)

Ceiling: 33,000 feet (10,000 meters)

Maximum Takeoff Weight: 155,000 pounds (69,750 kilograms)

Range: Beyond 4,000 miles

Crew: Two pilots and two navigators (officers); flight engineer, communications systems 

operator and two loadmasters (enlisted)

Date Deployed: 1986

Unit Cost: $75 million (fiscal 2001 dollars) 

Inventory: Active force, 23; Reserve, 0; ANG, 4

Point of Contact

U.S. Air Force Special Operations Command, Public Affairs Office; 229 Cody Ave, Ste 103; 

Hurlburt Field FL 32544-5312; DSN 579-5515 or 850-884-5515; e-mail: 

afsoc.pa@hurlburt.af.mil.

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