Group : Military Transport Aircrafts
Status : Active
Also Known As : C-130 AMP, C-130A Hercules, C-130AMP, C-130B, C-130E, C-130H Qarnaf (Israel), C-130HE (Airborne Electronic Surveillance System), C-130K, EC-130H Compass Call, HC-130H, HC-130P, KC-130 (Tanker aircraft), L-100-30 (commercial version), LC-130 Hercules (ski-equipped cargo aircraft), WC-130H
Origin : United States of America
Contractor : Lockheed Martin
Initial Operational Capability (IOC) : 1974
Total Production : ?
Unitary Cost : USD $30 million

The C-130H is one of the most modern versions of the C-130 aircraft. It was deployed in 1974 and jointly with the C-130E is still in service in large numbers in the US Air Force, as well as in the Air Forces of several allied nations. Under the C-130 Avionics Modernization Program (AMP), Boeing will modify more than 500 US Air Force, Navy and Marine Corps legacy C-130 aircraft at Boeing's facility in San Antonio, Texas, US Air Force Warner Robins Air Logistics Center, Georgia, and Ogden Air Logistics Center, Utah. The first aircraft underwent C-130 AMP upgrade will take to the skies in early 2006. In June 2005 the AMP program was valued at $4.4 billion including refitting of 465 aircraft, of which 222 for the USAF.

The C-130 AMP program will standardize aircraft configurations with the installation of a fully integrated, night-vision-goggle-compatible digital glass cockpit with head-up displays and provide a reduction in total ownership costs for the US Air Force. The new avionics system features digital displays and the proven flight management system from the 737 commercial airliner, both of which provide navigation, safety and communication improvements to meet global air traffic management (GATM) requirements. The US Air Force will upgrade 268 aircraft under C-130 AMP program (April 2007 estimate).

In March 2005, the Swedish Air Force and Boeing signed a letter of agreement for the upgrade of eight C-130E/H aircraft under the C-130 AMP program. The final foreign military sales contract between the US Air Force and Boeing signing was foreseen by the summer 2005. The first Swedish C-130 aircraft was anticipated to enter AMP in 2007 and the final aircraft modified under C-130 AMP to be delivered back to Sweden in 2009. Through this program, Sweden would become the first C-130 AMP international customer and get a lowering in total ownership costs for its C-130 fleet.

Group : Military Transport Aircrafts
Status : Active
Also Known As : MC-130E Combat Talon I, MC-130P Combat Shadow
Origin : United States of America
Contractor : Lockheed Martin
Initial Operational Capability (IOC) : 1991
Total Production : 33
Unitary Cost : USD $78 million

The MC-130H Talon II aircraft provides global, day, night, and adverse weather capability to infiltrate, re-supply and ex-filtrate US and allied special operation forces. It features terrain-following and terrain-avoidance radar, in-flight refueling equipment, high-speed aerial delivery system, and INS/GPS-aided navigation system. In addition, the Talon II features highly automated controls and displays to reduce crew size and workload. The first MC-130H Talon II was deployed in 1991. A Talon II evacuated Americans from the US embassy in Liberia in 1996. The following year, Talon II participated in evacuation of Americans from US embassy in Zaire. This aircraft can accommodate up to 52 paratroopers or 75 troops.

In April 2005, the Boeing company received a $137 million contract from the US Air Force to begin modify ten existing C-130s into MC-130H Combat Talon II configuration. This contract covered the modification work of two aircraft. A follow-on production phase contract, valued at $446 million, was anticipated covering the modification work of the remaining eight aircraft. Deliveries to the US Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC) will begin in July 2008 and will continue through the end of 2011. These aircraft are expected to play a vital role in the global war on terrorism. The US Air Force retired the last four MC-130E Combat Talon I aircraft in April 2013.

Group : Gunship Aircrafts
Status : Active
Also Known As : AC-130W (latest variant equipped with GAU-23 cannon)
Origin : United States of America
Contractor : Lockheed Martin
Initial Operational Capability (IOC) : 1995
Total Production : 17
Unitary Cost : USD $81 million

The AC-130H Specter and AC-130U Spooky have been designed to provide close air support, air interdiction and force protection. These heavily armed aircraft include side-firing weapons integrated with sophisticated sensors (SAR, CCD-TV and IR), navigation and fire control systems to provide surgical firepower during extended loiter periods, at night and in adverse weather. The AC-130U is the most advanced gunship aircraft in the world and can attack two targets simultaneously.

The AC-130 aircraft were first introduced in Vietnam scoring 10,000 Vietnamese trucks and many US soldiers while providing close air support. Subsequently they were employed in Operation Urgent Fury in Grenada in 1983, Operation Just Cause in Panama in 1989, and Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan in 2001. The AC-130U Spooky aircraft can be armed with one 105mm cannon in addition to one 40mm, and one additional 25mm guns. The US Air Force operates a fleet of 13 AC-130U gunships.

The US Air Force and Boeing selected Lockheed-Martin's Gunship Multispectral Sensor System (GMS2) to replace ALLTV sensor onto US Air Force's AC-130Us. The development contract valued at $10.7 million was awarded on January 11, 2005. The program total value could amount to $35 million including production options. GMS2 will be integrated onto for four new AC-130U aircraft bought by the Air Force. The Boeing company expects to deliver the first of four AC-130Us ordered by the Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC) in 2006. These aircraft were chosen by AFSOC due to their capabilities in support of operational missions in the global war on terrorism.

Group : Military Transport Aircrafts
Status : Active
Also Known As : Hercules II, Super Hercules
Origin : United States of America
Contractor : Lockheed Martin
Initial Operational Capability (IOC) : 1999
Total Production : 72
Unitary Cost : USD $73 million

The C-130J Hercules II is the latest and most advanced derivative of the proven C-130 cargo aircraft and will replace ageing C-130Es aircraft. It incorporates state-of-the-art technology to reduce manpower requirements, operating, support, and life cycle costs over current C-130s. The J model also features improved maneuverability and handling, shorter runaways needs for taking off and landing than previous models. The new turboprops AE 2100D3 engines with 6 blades are one of the keys of the C-130J improved performance. The C-130J achieved initial operational capability in 1999. The US Air Force plans to purchase up to 168 C-130J and CC-130J (a stretch version of C-130J) aircraft to replace older C-130Es. The US Coast Guard operates the HC-130J model introduced into service in 2004.

In December 2004, the US Air Force deployed the C-130J aircraft for the first time in support of air mobility operations around the world replacing earlier models. The C-130Js involved in such effort were from Rhode Island Air National Guard's 143rd Airlift Squadron, Maryland ANG's 135th AS, Air Force Reserve's Command's 815th AS at Keesler Air Force Base, Missouri, and California ANG's 115th AS at Channel Islands ANG Station. The Air Force was expected to procure up to 53 C-130Js valued at $6.2 billion as of June 2005.

Lockheed-Martin delivered the last of 22 C-130Js, a CC-130J, ordered by the Italian Air Force on 10 February 2005. Super Hercules deliveries to Italy began in 2000 with first order for 18 aircraft placed in 1997, two more in 1999 and two more in 2000 completing 12 C-130Js and 10 CC-130Js. As of 2005, these aircraft had been involved in tactical transport missions in Iraq and Afghanistan with the Italian Air Force.

Group : Military Transport Aircrafts
Status : Active
Also Known As : C-130J-30, Hercules II, Shimshon (Israeli Air Force)
Origin : United States of America
Contractor : Lockheed Martin
Initial Operational Capability (IOC) : 1999
Total Production : 214
Unitary Cost : USD $330 million

The CC-130J, formerly known as the C-130J-30, is a stretch version, adding 15 feet to fuselage, increasing usable space in the cargo compartment, which translates to 30 percent more usable volume for increased seating, litters, pallets or airdrop platforms. This bigger cargo compartment can accommodate up to 7 pallets, 2 more than C-130J, and up to 92 paratroopers or 128 troops and their equipment, 28 more than C-130J. The long fuselage Super Hercules features a strengthened cargo ramp and improved airdrop system, allowing crews to make airdrops at 250 knots, which helps them avoid antiaircraft fire in hostile areas. The US Air Force cleared the container delivery system on the CC-130J aircraft in February 2005.

In July 2004, the Royal Danish Air Force notified Lockheed-Martin that it will exercise an option for one C-130J Super Hercules (long-fuselage version) in addition to three already delivered C-130Js ordered in December 2000. The contract for one additional C-130J was signed in October 2004. Lockheed-Martin delivered the last of 22 C-130Js, a CC-130J, ordered by the Italian Air Force on 10 February 2005. Super Hercules deliveries to Italy began in 2000 with first order for 18 aircraft placed in 1997, two more in 1999 and two more in 2000 completing 12 C-130Js and 10 CC-130Js. As of 2005, these aircraft had been involved in tactical transport missions in Iraq and Afghanistan with the Italian Air Force.

Group : Tanker Aircrafts
Status : Active
Also Known As : Battle Herks, Harvest Hawk (US Marine Corps attack variant), Super Hercules
Origin : United States of America
Contractor : Lockheed Martin
Initial Operational Capability (IOC) : 2003
Total Production : 92
Unitary Cost : USD $82 million

The KC-130J is an air tanker aircraft derived from the shorter fuselage C-130J cargo aircraft. It provides in-flight refueling for both tactical aircraft and helicopters and can refuel two aircraft simultaneously. They have a 57,500 pound (8,455 US gallons) fuel offload capability while being flown on a 500 nm (900 km) radius mission. The KC-130J is also configured to accept a fuselage tank, which adds another 24,392 pounds (3,600 US gallons) of available offload to a mission. The USMC plans to purchase up to 79 KC-130J for the replacement of current KC-130F/R/T tankers. According to some sources the total number of KC-130J required by the USMC could be as high as 107 to provide in-flight refueling services to MV-22 and F-35 aircraft fleets well into the 21st century.

In late April 2004, following the KC-130J operational testing program carried out between October 2003 and January 2003, the USMC officials recommended full fleet introduction of KC-130J tanker aircraft. During the testing the new tanker aircraft outperformed KC-130T while demonstrating increased capabilities over legacy KC-130s. The US Marine Corps exercised an option for a second KC-130J Weapons System Trainer (WST) on February 2, 2005, as part of a contract worth $73 million signed in 2004. The USMC retained an option on a third KC-130J WST. As of early 2005, Marines had 33 KC-130J tanker aircraft on order with 15 tankers delivered at that time.

The Italian Air Force (Aeronautica Militare Italiana) began C-130J procurement in 1997 with an order for 18 aircraft, two more aircraft were ordered in 1999 and two more in 2000 totaling 22 C-130J Super Hercules. These aircraft replaced aging C-130Hs operated by Italy. Six of the 12 short fuselage C1-30Js were modified to KC-130J tanker aircraft adding a capability the Italian Air Force has not had previously.

Group : Surveillance & Reconnaissance Airplanes
Status : Active
Also Known As : Hurricane Hunter (nickname), WeatherBird (nickname)
Origin : United States of America
Contractor : Lockheed Martin
Initial Operational Capability (IOC) : 2005
Total Production : 10

The C-130J achieved initial operational capability in 1999. The WC-130J is a derivative of the C-130J tactical transport aircraft specially modified to perform weather reconnaissance missions. The 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron at Keesler Air Force Base in Missouri received eight aircraft in 1999 and two more in 2000 totaling 10 WC-130Js. Assigned to hurricane hunting the new aircraft has 29 percent more thrust than those it replaced, which means WC-130J can fly higher and faster. It can reach 28,000-ft (8,500 meters) in 14 minutes and it's a lot more fuel efficient than its predecessor allowing to go farther.

WC-130J inherits C-130J glass cockpit and avionics, including two head-up displays and computers, which represent reduced workload for aircrews and allowing crew members to spend more time on mission work. The United States National Hurricane Center gets all the weather information needed from the plane straight from the eye of the storm. Then forecasters can use the data to provide a more trustworthy hurricanes and/or storms path prediction. The WC-130J storm hunter aircraft was deployed for the first time ever on 20 May 2005 by the 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron, dubbed Hurricane Hunters, based at Keesler Air Force Base, Mississippi. Hurricane Adrian appeared in the Pacific off the coast of Central America and was threatening El Salvador. The first flight mission lasted for over 11 hours.

Group : Military Transport Aircrafts
Status : Active
Also Known As : C-130W Dragon Spear
Origin : United States of America
Contractor : Lockheed Martin
Initial Operational Capability (IOC) : 2006
Total Production : 12

MC-130W is a modified C-130H aircraft intended to support US Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC) replacing MC-130Hs and MC-130Ps lost performing missions during the global war on terrorism. The first MC-130W aircraft was rolled out on 28 June 2006 at Robins Air Force Base, Georgia. A dozen such modified aircraft were required by the US Air Force to replace four MC-130Hs and one MC-130P combat losses logged until June 2006. The new Combat Talon variant is based on C-130H airframes from 1987 to 1990.

MC-130W leverages the same abilities of its predecessors, mainly infiltration and exfiltration, but adding air-to-air refueling in support of special operations and search and rescue (SAR) helicopters. Air refueling pods were added to this Combat Talon variant for that purpose. MC-130W can be refueled in-flight to extend its mission range. Modifications also include a basic electronic warfare capability to avoid potential threats, ability to work in special light conditions and strengthening of the tail.

Group : Communications Aircrafts
Status : Active
Also Known As : EC-130SJ Super J
Origin : United States of America
Contractor : Lockheed Martin
Initial Operational Capability (IOC) : 2007
Total Production : 7
Unitary Cost : USD $110 million

The first C-130J aircraft achieved initial operational capability in 1999. The US Air Force plans to purchase up to 168 C-130J and CC-130J (a stretch version of C-130J) aircraft to replace older C-130Es. In November 2004, the US Air Force awarded Lockheed-Martin a contract to turn 1+2 Air National Guard C-130Js into Super J aircraft configuration. Super J configuration features aerial refueling equipment, a modified operator station, an expanded internal communications system, plus a more powerful generator for needed electrical power. It is expected that the first Super J configured aircraft, to be sent back to the Air National Guard in 2006, will be ultimately converted into the first EC-130J aircraft. EC-130Js would replace the existing fleet of aging EC-130E Commando Solo aircraft beginning before the end of this decade (2010). EC-130Js will perform information operations and civil affairs broadcasts in AM, FM, HF, TV and military communications bands.

Group : Military Transport Aircrafts
Status : Active
Also Known As : HC-130J (US Coast Guard), HC-130J Combat King II (combat rescue tanker version), MC-130J Combat Shadow II (USAF designation until March 2012)
Origin : United States of America
Contractor : Lockheed Martin
Initial Operational Capability (IOC) : 2012
First Flight : September 23, 2010
Total Production : 122
Unitary Cost : USD $115 million

The MC-130J Commando II, formerly Combat Shadow II, and HC-130J are a derivative of the US Marine Corps KC-130J tanker selected by the US Air Force to replace the aging fleets of both Air Combat Command (ACC) and Special Operations Command (SOCOM) aircraft. Currently, Lockheed Martin is working on both configurations. The HC/MC-130J aircraft will provide global, day, night, and adverse weather capability to infiltrate, re-supply and ex-filtrate US and allied special operation forces. The HC-130J designation also refers to a distinct configuration closer to the C-130J aircraft and employed by the US Coast Guard (22).

The US Air Force MC-130J Combat Shadow II will fly 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. The MC-130J will primarily fly missions at night to reduce probability of visual acquisition and intercept by airborne threats. In March 2012, the US Air Force Special Operations Command officially changed the name of the MC-130J to Commando II to better reflect the multi-mission role of the aircraft and the units that will fly them.

Group : Gunship Aircrafts
Status : Active
Also Known As : AC-130J Gunship
Origin : United States of America
Contractor : Lockheed Martin
Initial Operational Capability (IOC) : July 29, 2015
First Flight : December 2013
Total Production : 16

The AC-130J Gunship is a derivative of the MC-130J Commando Solo II special operations aircraft equipped with a precision strike package. The United States Air Force Special Operations Command has a requirement for up to 16 gunships with the first aircraft to planned to achieve the initial operational capability (IOC) in 2015. Lockheed Martin announced that the first MC-130J Commando Solo II to be converted into the AC-130J configuration was under construction in July 2012.

Group : Turboprop Airplanes
Status : Under Development
Also Known As : L-382J, LM-100J FireHerc
Origin : United States of America
Contractor : Lockheed Martin
Initial Operational Capability (IOC) : 2020
First Flight : May 25, 2017
Total Production : 12

The Lockheed Martin LM-100J, also referred to as the Model L-382J, is a commercial freighter derived from the proven C-130J Super Hercules military transport aircraft. The L-100 freighter served for humanitarian relief missions over rugged African terrain and around the world. The more capable LM-100J is intended to serve as a civil multi-purpose air freighter capable of rapid and efficient transport delivering bulk and oversize cargo particularly to austere locations worldwide. ASL Aviation Group, as the launch customer, signed a letter of intent (LoI) for the purchase of up to 10 LM-100J freighters at the Farnborough International Airshow on July 16, 2014.

Group : Gunship Aircrafts
Status : Under Development
Origin : United States of America
Contractor : Lockheed Martin
Initial Operational Capability (IOC) : 2020
Total Production : ?

The C-130J-SOF (Special Operations Forces) is a multipurpose variant of the C-130J Super Hercules aircraft intended for international customers. The new aircraft is able to execute Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) and psychological operations, airdrop resupply, personnel recovery, humanitarian relief, as well as infiltration, exfiltration and re-supply of SOF personnel. It can perform aerial refueling of fighter aircraft, VSTOL jets and helicopters in forward areas near/in hostile territory. Besides, the aircraft can conduct combat operations armed with a 30mm cannon and Hellfire missiles. Lockheed Martin launched the C-130J-SOF at the Paris Air Show in June 2017.