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 includes the following: advanced two-pilot flight station with fully integrated digital avionics; fully populated Combat Systems Operator and auxiliary flight deck stations; 13 color multifunctional liquid crystal displays; head-up displays; fully integrated navigation systems with dual inertial navigation system and global positioning system; integrated defensive systems; low-power color radar; digital moving map display; new turboprop engines with six-bladed, all-composite propellers; digital autopilot; improved fuel, environmental and ice-protection systems; enhanced cargo-handling system; Universal Air Refueling Receptacle Slipway Installation (UARRSI), air refueling pods, Electro Optical/Infrared (EO/IR) System; dual SATCOM for voice/data; 60/90 KVA generators; increased DC electrical output, loadmaster/scanner restraint system; and LAIRCM provisions. 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 replacing the aging SOF fleet of 57 MC-130E, H and P aircraft. The first 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) Speed: 362 knots at 22,000 feet Ceiling: 28,000 feet with 42,000 lb payload Maximum Takeoff Weight: 164,000 lbs Range: 3,000 miles Crew: Two pilots, one Combat Systems Officer (officers), and two Loadmasters (enlisted) Date Deployed: 2011 Unit Cost: $114.2M (FY22) Inventory: Active duty, 57 by fiscal 2025 (Current as of March 2021)