Mission

The HC-130P/N is an extended-range, combat search and rescue version of the C-130 Hercules transport. Its mission is to conduct day or night operations to recover downed aircrew or other isolated personnel from hostile or denied environments during war. Mission elements include: extending the range of recovery force helicopters by providing air refueling; performing tactical delivery via airdrop or airland of rescue personnel, watercraft, all-terrain tactical vehicles, and/or supplies to provide direct assistance to isolated personnel in advance of the arrival of a recovery vehicle. Other elements include: transload operations to expedite the delivery of survivors to definitive medical care, and extended visual and electronic searches over land or water.

Features

Combat enhancements on combat search and rescue platform HC-130 aircraft include an integrated inertial navigation/global positioning/Doppler navigation system, an adverse weather certified digital low-power color radar, radar and missile warning receivers, chaff and flare dispensers, and aircraft armor. Communication systems include secure and anti-jam UHF, VHF-AM, VHF-FM, HF, and satellite communications (SATCOM), AN/ARS-6 Personnel Locator System (some aircraft), and Single Channel Ground and Airborne Radio Systems (some aircraft). Select aircraft have been modified with night vision goggle compatible interior and exterior lighting and forward looking infrared detection systems. Situation Awareness Data Link system and receiver in-flight refueling capability modifications are planned to occur beginning in fiscal 2006.

The aircraft's mission capabilities include aircrew training and qualification to perform all mission elements while using night vision goggles, tactical self-contained or airborne radar approaches, rapid onload/offload of personnel/equipment, and unimproved airfield operations. Crews conduct night, low-level navigation, air refueling, airdrop operations, and takeoffs/landings using night vision goggles to avoid detection and enhance the probability of mission success and survivability. A team of three pararescue specialists, trained in emergency trauma medicine, harsh environment survival and assisted evasion techniques, is part of the basic mission crew complement.

Background

The HC-130P/N is the only dedicated fixed-wing combat search and rescue platform in the Air Force inventory. The 71st Rescue Squadron in Air Combat Command, the 102nd RQS, 129th RQS and 210th RQS in the Air National Guard, and the 39th RQS in the Air Force Reserve Command operate the aircraft. Air Combat Command is standing up a second active-duty squadron, the 79th RQS at Davis-Monthan AFB, Ariz., with a projected operational capability in May 2004.

First flown in 1964, the aircraft has served many roles and missions. The aircraft was initially modified to conduct search and rescue missions, provide a command and control platform, in-flight-refuel helicopters and carry supplemental fuel for extending range or air refueling.

HC-130s have been in Air Combat Command since 1992. Previously, they were assigned to the Air Rescue Service as part of Military Airlift Command. Since 1993, they have been deployed to Italy, Kyrgyzstan, Kuwait, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkey in support of operations Southern and Northern Watch, Allied Force and, most recently, Enduring Freedom. HC-130s also support continuous alert commitments in Alaska, Japan and Iceland, and provide rescue coverage for space shuttle operations in Florida.

General Characteristics

Primary function: Combat search and rescue
Builder: Lockheed Aircraft Corp.
Power Plant: Four Allison T56-A-15 turboprop engines
Thrust: 4,910 shaft horsepower each engine
Length: 98 feet, 9 inches (30.09 meters)
Height: 38 feet, 6 inches (11.7 meters)
Maximum Takeoff Weight: 175,000 pounds (78,750 kilograms)
Wingspan: 132 feet, 7 inches (40.4 meters)
Speed: 289 miles per hour (464 kilometers per hour) at sea level
Ceiling: 33,000 feet (10,000 meters)
Range: Beyond 4,000 miles (3,478 nautical miles) with fuselage fuel tanks installed
Crew: Three officers (pilot, co-pilot, navigator) and seven enlisted (flight engineer, airborne communications specialist, two loadmasters and three pararescuemen)
Unit Cost: $18.4 million (fiscal 1998 constant dollars)
Date Deployed: 1964
Inventory: Active force, 18; ANG, 8; Reserve, 6

Point Of Contact

Air Combat Command, Public Affairs Office, 115 Thompson St., Suite 211; Langley AFB VA 23665-1987; DSN 574-5014 or (757) 764-5014; e-mail: acc.pai@langley.af.mil