MC-130J Commando II Mission The Commando II flies clandestine, or low visibility, single or multiship, low-level infiltration, exfiltration and resupply of special operations forces, by airdrop or airland and air refueling missions for special operations helicopters and tiltrotor aircraft, intruding politically sensitive or hostile territories. The MC-130J 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 The MC-130J is air refuellable and features an advanced flight station, fully integrated digital avionics and navigation, auxiliary flight deck stations, and turboprop engines with six-bladed, all-composite propellers. The MC-130J is equipped with a variety of systems that allow it to operate in various austere conditions. An MC-130J Commando II, assigned to the 27th Special Operations Wing, Cannon Air Force Base, N.M., orbits the airfield during an evening airpower demonstration as part of EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2021 at Wittman Regional Airport, Wis., July 31, 2021. Air Force Special Operations Command, which was featured at EAA’s airshow, brought multiple aircraft from its inventory, displaying capabilities of airpower through aerial demonstrations and static displays. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Miranda Mahoney) Photo Details / Download Hi-Res U.S. Air Force Airmen and Polish special forces members exercise aircraft ground support at an abandoned runway near Biala Podlaska, Poland, during an Aviation Detachment Rotation 21-4, Sept. 15, 2021. The rotations are bilateral training exercises and deployments designed to enhance partner interoperability, maintain joint readiness and support regional allies. U.S. aircraft and Airmen have participated in these rotations since 2012. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman Edgar Grimaldo) Photo Details / Download Hi-Res An MC-130J Air Commando II conducts helicopter air-to-air refueling with an MH-60 Black Hawk, during exercise Talisman Sabre 21 above Queensland, Australia, July 26, 2021. TS21 is Australia’s largest military exercise with the U.S. and is a demonstration of the strong alliance underpinned by deep levels of cooperation and trust built over decades of operating and training together. (U.S. Air Force photo by 1st Lt. Joshua Thompson) Photo Details / Download Hi-Res Background The MC-130J is replaced the SOF fleet of MC-130E, H and P aircraft. The first MC-130J aircraft was delivered in September 2011 to Cannon Air Force Base, New Mexico, with final delivery expected in fiscal year 2025. General Characteristics Primary Function: Infiltration, exfiltration and resupply of special operations forces by airdrop or airland, air refueling of SOF helicopter/tilt rotor aircraft. Builder: Lockheed Martin Power Plant: Four Rolls-Royce AE 2100D3 Turboprops Thrust: 4,591 shaft horsepower Wingspan: 132 feet, 7 inches (39.7 meters) Length: 97 feet 9 inches (29.3 meters) Height: 38 feet 10 inches (11.9 meters) Maximum Takeoff Weight: 164,000 lbs Range: 3,000 miles Crew: 2 Pilots, 1 Combat Systems Officer, and 2 Special Mission Aviators Date Deployed: 2011 Unit Cost: $114.2M (FY22) Inventory: Active duty, 57 by fiscal 2025 (Current as of January 2025)