Mission
The HC-130P/N is an extended-range, combat search 
and rescue version of the C-130 Hercules transport. 
Its mission is extend the range of combat search 
and rescue helicopters by providing air refueling 
in hostile or contested airspace if required. 

Secondary mission capabilities include performing 
tactical delivery via airdrop or airland of 
pararescue specialist teams, small bundles, zodiac 
watercraft, or four-wheel drive all-terrain vehicles; 
and providing direct assistance to a survivor in 
advance of the arrival of a recovery vehicle. Other 
capabilities are extended visual and electronic 
searches over land or water, tactical approaches and 
unimproved airfield operations at day or night, using 
night vision goggles. 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.

Features
Combat Air Forces HC-130 aircraft are undergoing extensive 
modifications. Ongoing modifications include night vision 
goggle-compatible interior and exterior lighting, a 
personnel locator system compatible with aircrew survival 
radios, forward-looking infrared systems and advanced 
integrated radios.

The HC-130 can fly in the day against a reduced threat; 
however, crews normally fly night, low-level, air refueling 
and airdrop operations using night vision goggles. It can 
fly low-level NVG tactical flight profiles to avoid 
detection. To enhance the probability of mission success and 
survivability near populated areas, crews employ tactics that 
include incorporating no external lighting or communications, 
and avoiding radar and weapons detection. 

Background
The HC-130P/N is the only dedicated fixed-wing combat search 
and rescue platform in the Air Force inventory. The 71st and 
79th Rescue Squadrons in Air Force Special Operations Command, 
the 102nd RQS and 210th RQS in the Air National Guard, and the 
39th RQS in the Air Force Reserve Command operate the aircraft. 

First flown in 1964, the aircraft has served many roles and 
missions. It 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. 

In October 2003, the continental U.S. search and rescue mission 
was transferred to Air Force Special Operations Command at Hurlburt 
Field, Fla. HC-130s were assigned to Air Combat Command from 1992 
to 2003. Previously, they were assigned to the Air Rescue Service 
as part of Military Airlift Command. They have been deployed to 
Italy, Kyrgyzstan, Kuwait, Pakistan Saudi Arabia, and Turkey in 
support of operations Southern and Northern Watch, Allied Force. 
HC-130s also support continuous alert commitments in Alaska, 
Iceland and Japan, and provide rescue coverage for space shuttle 
operations in Florida.

General Characteristics
Primary function: Air refueling for combat search and rescue helicopters
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: 155,000 pounds (69,750 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)
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 98 constant dollars)
Date Deployed: 1964
Inventory: Active force, 13; ANG, 13; Reserve, 10