U.S. Air Force Fact Sheet

MC-130W COMBAT SPEAR

Mission

The MC-130W Combat Spear conducts 

infiltration, exfiltration and resupply of U.S. 

and allied special operations forces in direct 

support of unified and theater special 

operations commands and U. S. Special 

Operations Command contingencies. 

Collateral missions include refueling of special 

operations vertical lift assets, forward arming 

and refueling, specialized ordnance delivery, 

airdrops in support of psychological 

operations, and limited command and control 

capabilities. Its world-wide mission is 

performed primarily at night to reduce 

operational risk. 

Features 

The aircraft is a highly modified C-130H featuring improved navigation, threat detection and 

countermeasures, and communication suites. Select MC-130W aircraft will be modified with a 

precision strike package until additional special operations forces gunships are procured. 

The navigation suite is a fully integrated Global Positioning System and Inertial Navigation 

System that interfaces with the AN/APN-241 Low Power Color Radar and AN/AAQ-38 Infrared 

Detection System. The improved threat detection and countermeasures systems include 

advanced radar and missile warning receivers, chaff and flare dispensers and active infrared 

countermeasures, protecting the aircraft from both radar and infrared-guided threats. 

The communication systems upgrades include dual sateliite communications suite with data 

burst capability. The aircraft has both interior and exterior night vision goggle compatible 

lighting. Aircraft modified with the precision strike package will be equipped with sensors and 

weaponry.

Structural improvements to the basic C-130H include the addition of the Universal Aerial 

Refueling Receptacle Slipway Installation or UARRSI, and a strengthened tail empennage. The 

UARRSI allows the aircraft to conduct in-flight refueling as a receiver, and strengthening of the 

tail will allow High Speed Low Level Aerial Delivery System airdrop operations. The MC-130W 

is equipped with Mk 32B-902E refueling pods. These pods are part of the most technologically 

advanced refueling system available, and provide the ability to refuel special operations 

helicopters and the CV-22 Osprey.

Background

The first MC-130W was presented to the Air Force Special Operations Commander June 28, 

2006, in a ceremony at Robins Air Force Base, Ga. The aircraft was developed by a team of 

contractor and depot personnel to replace MC-130 Combat Talon combat losses experienced 

over time. The program modifies C-130H aircraft from the 1987 to 1990 year group.

The new aircraft will be able to accomplish many of the same missions as the previous ones, 

plus they have the ability to air-to-air refuel special operations helicopters. The aircraft will be 

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based at AFSOC bases worldwide. 

General Characteristics 

Primary Function: Infiltration, exfiltration and resupply of special operations forces; in-flight 

refueling of special operations vertical lift assets 

Contractor: 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) 

Weight: 75,745 pounds (34,430 kilograms) 

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

Fuel Capacity: 44,240 pounds (20,108 kilograms) 

Maximum Normal Payload: 33,000 pounds (14,969 kilograms) 

Speed: 300 mph 

Maximum Range: 1,208 miles (1,944 kilometers); in-flight refueling extends to unlimited range

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

Crew: pilot, copilot, two navigators (officers), flight engineer and two loadmasters (enlisted) 

Initial operating capability: 2007 

Date deployed: 2006

Unit Cost: $60 million 

Inventory: Active force, 12 (planned)

Point Of Contact

Air Force Special Operations Command, Public Affairs Office, 229 Cody Ave., Suite 103; 

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

afsoc.pa@hurlburt.af.mil 

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