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MC-130E/H Combat Talon I/II

Posted 10/26/2007 Printable Fact Sheet

Mission

The MC-130E Combat Talon I and MC-130H Combat Talon II provide 

infiltration, exfiltration and resupply of special operations forces and

equipment in hostile or denied territory. Secondary missions include 

psychological operations and helicopter air refueling

Features

Both aircraft feature terrain-following and terrain-avoidance radars capable 

of operations as low as 250 feet in adverse weather conditions. Structural 

changes to a basic C-130 include the addition of an in-flight refueling

receptacle, and strengthening of the tail to allow high speed/low-signature 

airdrop. Their navigation suites include dual ring-laser gyros, mission 

computers and integrated global positioning system. They can locate, and 

either land or airdrop on small, unmarked zones with pinpoint accuracy day 

or night. 

An extensive electronic warfare suite enables the aircrew to detect and 

avoid potential threats. If engaged, the system will protect the aircraft from 

both radar and infrared-guided threats. 

Both the MC-130E and MC-130H are equipped with aerial refueling pods to 

provide in-flight refueling of special operations forces and combat search and rescue helicopters. 

The primary difference between the MC-130E and MC-130H involves the degree of integration of the mission computers and 

avionics suite. The Combat Talon I was conceived originally and developed during the 1960s, and although extensively upgraded 

in the 1980-90s it still features analog instrumentation and does not fully integrate the sensors and communications suites. The 

Combat Talon II, designed in the 1980s, features an integrated glass flight deck which improves crew coordination and reduces the 

crew complement by two.

Background

The MC-130E Combat Talon first flew in 1966 and saw extensive service in Southeast Asia, including the attempted rescue of 

Americans held at the Son Tay prisoner-of-war camp in 1970. Also, the MC-130E landed in the Iranian desert in April 1980 in 

support of Operation Eagle Claw, the attempt to rescue American hostages held by Iran. 

The MC-130E saw combat in Grenada in 1983, delivering U.S. Army Rangers to Point Salinas Airfield in the opening moments of

Operation Urgent Fury, and subsequently performing psychological operations leaflet drops. In 1989 they led the joint task force for

Operation Just Cause in Panama, helping to seize the airfield at Rio Hato. 

In 1990, MC-130Es were employed in Operation Desert Storm, where they dropped 11 BLU-82 15,000-pound bombs and more 

than 23 million leaflets in a highly effective effort to encourage Iraqi soldiers to surrender. They also conducted numerous aerial 

refuelings of special operations helicopters with combat search and rescue operations. 

The MC-130H Combat Talon II first arrived at Hurlburt Field, Fla., June 29, 1992, and after acceptance testing, began official flying

operations Oct. 17, 1992. Since then, the MC-130H has played a vital role in AFSOC operations. Some of the aircraft's highlights 

include the evacuations of non-combatant Americans and other civilians from conflicts in Liberia in 1996. Also, in 1998, a Combat 

Talon II aircrew was awarded the Mackay Trophy for the involvement in the evacuation of civilians from the Republic of the Congo 

(1997); and they participated in combat operations in the Balkans during Operation Allied Force.

More recently, both aircraft have been used extensively in operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom in a variety of roles.

General Characteristics

Primary Function: Infiltration, exfiltration and resupply of special operations forces 

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:

MC-130E: 100 feet, 10 inches (30.7 meters) 

MC-130H: 99 feet, 9 inches (30.4 meters)

Height: 38 feet, 6 inches (11.7 meters) 

Speed: 300 mph 

Load:

MC-130E: 53 troops, 26 paratroopers 

MC-130H: 77 troops, 52 paratroopers or 57 litter patients

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

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

Range: 2,700 nautical miles (4,344 kilometers); Inflight refueling extends this to unlimited range

Crew:

MC-130E: Two pilots, two navigators and an electronic warfare officer (officers); flight engineer, radio operator and two 

loadmasters (enlisted)

MC-130H: Two pilots, a navigator and electronic warfare officer (officers); flight engineer and two loadmasters (enlisted)

Date Deployed: MC-130E, 1966; MC-130H, June 1991 

Unit Cost: MC-130E, $75 million; MC-130H, $155 million (fiscal 2001 constant dollars)

Inventory: Active force, MC-130H, 20; Reserve, MC-130E, 10; ANG, 0

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

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