View source for Lockheed Martin KC-130

{{short description|Aerial refueling tanker based on Lockheed Martin C-130}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=March 2023}}
<!-- This article is a part of [[Wikipedia:WikiProject Aircraft]]. Please see [[Wikipedia:WikiProject Aircraft/page content]] for recommended layout. -->
{|{{Infobox aircraft begin
 |name = KC-130
 |image = File:KC-130J Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Crisis Response.jpg
 |caption = A [[Lockheed Martin C-130J Super Hercules|KC-130J]] from [[VMGR-252]] flies over the [[Mediterranean Sea]], 15 June 2014
}}{{Infobox aircraft type
 |type = [[Tanker (aircraft)]] / Transport, [[Overwatch (military tactic)|Overwatch]] / [[Ground support]] ((Harvest HAWK variant)).
 |national origin = United States
 |manufacturer = [[Lockheed Corporation|Lockheed]]<br />[[Lockheed Martin]]
 |designer =
 |first flight = 
 |introduction = KC-130F: 1962<br />KC-130R: 1976<br />KC-130T: 1983<br />KC-130J: April 2004
 |retired = KC-130F (2006)<br />KC-130R (2007)<br />KC-130T (2021)
 |number built = KC-130B: 6<br />KC-130F: 46<br />KC-130H: 33<br />KC-130R: 14<br />KC-130T: 28<br />KC-130J: 53
 |status = Active
 |primary user = [[United States Marine Corps]]
 |more users = [[Royal Canadian Air Force]]
 |unit cost =[[United States dollar|$]]37&nbsp;million (KC-130T)<ref>{{cite web|last1=Sherman|first1=Robert|title=KC-130|url=http://fas.org/man/dod-101/sys/ac/kc-130.htm|website=Federation of American Scientists|access-date=10 August 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150927120219/http://fas.org/man/dod-101/sys/ac/kc-130.htm|archive-date=27 September 2015|url-status=live}}</ref><br />$71.07&nbsp;million USD (FY 2014) (KC-130J)<ref>{{cite web|last1=Balle|first1=Joakim Kasper Oestergaard|title=About the KC-130J|url=https://www.bga-aeroweb.com/Defense/KC-130J-Tanker.html|website=Aeroweb|access-date=5 May 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150419060521/http://www.bga-aeroweb.com/Defense/KC-130J-Tanker.html|archive-date=19 April 2015|url-status=dead}}</ref>
 |developed from =  [[Lockheed C-130 Hercules]]<br />[[Lockheed Martin C-130J Super Hercules]]
 |developed into = [[Lockheed HC-130|Lockheed Martin HC-130J]]<ref name="lockheedmartin.com">[http://www.lockheedmartin.com/news/press_releases/2010/100419ae_hc130-rollout.html First Lockheed Martin/USAF HC-130J Combat Rescue Tanker Rolls Out | Lockheed Martin] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100426071249/http://www.lockheedmartin.com/news/press_releases/2010/100419ae_hc130-rollout.html |date=26 April 2010 }}</ref><br />[[Lockheed MC-130|Lockheed Martin MC-130J]]<ref name="lockheedmartin.com" />
}}
|}

The '''Lockheed Martin''' (previously '''Lockheed''') '''KC-130''' is a family of the extended-range [[Tanker (aircraft)|tanker]] version of the [[Lockheed C-130 Hercules|C-130 Hercules]] transport aircraft. The KC-130J is the latest variant operated by the [[United States Marine Corps]] (USMC), with 48 delivered out of 79 ordered. It replaced older KC-130F, KC-130R, and KC-130T variants for [[aerial refueling]]. USMC reserve unit, VMGR-452 operated 12 KC-130T aircraft until May 2021; this was the last USMC reserve unit that operated the legacy KC-130s, completing the Corps' transition to the more advanced Super Hercules.

==Development==
The KC-130F made its first test flight in January 1960 as the GV-1 under the old Navy designation system. First entering service in 1962, the KC-130F was designed to undertake [[aerial refueling]] missions in support of USMC aircraft. It was developed from the [[Lockheed C-130 Hercules]].

The newest Hercules, the KC-130J, shares 55 percent of the same airframe as preceding models, but in fact is a greatly improved airplane.  It is based on the [[Lockheed Martin C-130J Super Hercules]] and provides significant increases in operational capability and performance margins over preceding KC-130F/R/T (legacy) aircraft.  Additionally, The KC-130J reduces cost of ownership through system reliability and reduced maintenance man-hours per flight hour.

The new [[HC-130J]] combat rescue tanker and [[MC-130J]] special operations tanker are both derived from a KC-130J baseline.<ref name="lockheedmartin.com" />

Technological development has led to the incorporation of interior/exterior night vision lighting, night vision goggle head-up displays, global positioning system, and jam-resistant radios. Some KC-130s are also equipped with defensive electronic and infrared countermeasures systems.

==Design==
[[File:US Navy 030130-M-0000X-001 Two U.S. Marine Corps CH-53E Super Stallion helicopters assigned to Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron-772 (HMM-772) receive fuel from a KC-130 Hercules.jpg|thumb|USMC KC-130 and CH-53Es over the Gulf of Aden, 2003]]

The KC-130 is a multi-role, multi-mission tactical tanker/transport which provides the refueling support required by the USMC for its aircraft. This versatile asset provides in-flight refueling to both tactical aircraft and helicopters within a {{convert|500|nmi|km|adj=on}} operating radius, as well as rapid ground refueling when required. Additional tasks performed are aerial delivery of troops and cargo, emergency resupply into unimproved landing zones within the objective or battle area, emergency medical evacuation, tactical insertion of combat troops and equipment, and evacuation missions.

===KC-130J===
The KC-130J offers a 27,215&nbsp;kg (60,000&nbsp;lb) fuel capacity that it can allocate between its own flight requirements against aerial refueling offload capacity using its wing and external tanks while in the air. When more fuel is needed, an additional 11,064&nbsp;kg (24,392&nbsp;lb) of fuel can be offloaded from a specially configured internal fuselage 13,627 L (3,600-gallon) aluminum fuel tank. The system also functions without the fuselage tank, so the cargo compartment can be used for cargo on the same mission, giving the aircraft even greater flexibility.

The aircraft is ready to fuel fixed-wing, tilt-rotor, or rotary-wing aircraft using the standard probe and drogue technique. The two wing-mounted hose and drogue refueling pods (made by [[Sargent Fletcher]]) can each transfer up to 300 gallons (1,136 L) per minute to two aircraft simultaneously, allowing for rapid cycle times of multiple-receiver aircraft formations, a typical tanker formation of four aircraft in less than 30 minutes.

The KC-130J also provides for rapid ground refueling of helicopters, vehicles and fuel caches. The aircraft has a unique propeller feathering feature (known as "hotel mode", derived from the term hotel electric power, when a vessel or other means of transport is equipped with a power plant with the sole purpose of generating electric power for lighting, etc., rather than propulsion) which can slow (at 25% rotation speed) the propellers while the turbines continue to run and energize the generator, providing power to the electric fuel pumps. This reduction of the propellers' speed helps to eliminate prop wash behind the KC-130J. This allows ground forces to operate in relative calm while the aircraft offloads up to 2,271 L, 1,823&nbsp;kg (600 gallons, 4,018 pounds) per minute.

The U.S. Marine Corps has chosen the KC-130J to replace its aging KC-130 legacy tanker fleet. The new KC-130J offers increased utility and much needed improvement in mission performance. As a force multiplier, the J-model tanker is capable of refueling both fixed- and rotary-wing aircraft as well as conducting rapid ground refueling. The refueling speed envelope has been widened from 100 to {{convert|270|kn|km/h}} indicated airspeed, offering more capability and flexibility.{{cn|date=May 2024}} Offload rates per refueling pod can be up to 300 gallons (1,136 L) per minute simultaneously. The KC-130's offload is significantly greater than previous Hercules tankers. As an example, at 1,000 nautical miles (1,852&nbsp;km), the fuel offload is well over 45,000 pounds (20,412&nbsp;kg).

===Harvest HAWK===
With the addition of the Marine Corps's [[ISTAR#ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance)|ISR]] / Weapon Mission Kit, the KC-130J will be able to serve as an [[overwatch (military tactic)|overwatch]] aircraft and can deliver ground support fire in the form of [[AGM-114 Hellfire|Hellfire]] or [[Griffin (missile)|Griffin]] missiles, [[precision-guided munition|precision-guided bombs]], and eventually [[Mk44 Bushmaster II|30mm cannon fire]] in a later upgrade.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.zumwaltfacts.info/gen-conway-%e2%80%9cthe-posture-of-the-united-states-marine-corps%e2%80%9d/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181121072812/https://zumwaltfacts.info/gen-conway-%E2%80%9Cthe-posture-of-the-united-states-marine-corps%E2%80%9D/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=21 November 2018 |title=General James T. Conway on The Posture of the United States Marine Corps. |publisher=zumwaltfacts.info |date=14 May 2009 |access-date=1 August 2010 }}</ref> This capability, designated as "Harvest HAWK" (Hercules Airborne Weapons Kit), can be used in scenarios where precision is not a requisite, such as [[Area denial weapons|area denial]].<ref name="Harvest Hawk">{{cite news|last=McCullough|first=Amy|title=Refuel and Fire|work=[[Marine Corps Times]]|date=1 June 2009}}</ref>

The AN/AAQ-30 Target Sight System (TSS) integrates an infrared and television camera, and is mounted under the left wing's external fuel tank. It is the same TSS used on the upgraded [[AH-1Z Viper]] [[attack helicopter]].<ref>[http://www.dvidshub.net/news/70647/hueys-harvest-hawk-ordnance-marine-arms-aircraft-afghanistan "From Hueys to Harvest Hawk: Ordnance Marine arms aircraft in Afghanistan"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120406080203/http://www.dvidshub.net/news/70647/hueys-harvest-hawk-ordnance-marine-arms-aircraft-afghanistan |date=6 April 2012 }} by Cpl. Samantha H. Arrington, [[DVIDS]]. 19 May 2011</ref> The typical loadout is four Hellfire missiles and 10 Griffin GPS guided missiles.<ref name="dvidshub.net">{{cite web|url=http://www.dvidshub.net/news/60315/kc-130j-harvest-hawk-takes-new-role-afghanistan|title=KC-130J Harvest Hawk takes on new role in Afghanistan|last=Hurla|first=Sgt Deanne|date=16 November 2010|access-date=5 April 2010|work=[[3rd Marine Aircraft Wing]] (Fwd) Public Affairs|publisher=DVIDS|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101209002948/http://www.dvidshub.net/news/60315/kc-130j-harvest-hawk-takes-new-role-afghanistan|archive-date=9 December 2010|url-status=live}}</ref> The weapons systems operator uses a Fire Control Console mounted on an HCU-6/E pallet in the KC-130J's cargo compartment.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.navair.navy.mil/newsreleases/index.cfm?fuseaction=home.view&id=4310|title=Harvest HAWK completes phase one testing here|date=26 April 2010|publisher=[[Naval Air Systems Command]]}}{{Dead link|date=February 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref>

The aircraft retains its original capabilities in refueling and transportation. The entire system can be removed in less than a day if necessary.<ref name="HAWK deploy" /> The USAF [[MC-130W Dragon Spear]] program uses a similar concept.

The USMC plans to acquire three kits per active-duty KC-130J squadron for a total of nine kits, each costing up to {{US$|22 million}}.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.marines.mil/unit/3rdmaw/Pages/2009/HarvestHawkmissionkitbringsnewerainMarineaviation.aspx|title=Harvest Hawk mission kit brings new era in Marine aviation|date=11 September 2009|last=O'Quin|first=Cpl Christopher|work=3rd Marine Aircraft Wing|publisher=United States Marine Corps|access-date=8 February 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110629182930/http://www.marines.mil/unit/3rdmaw/Pages/2009/HarvestHawkmissionkitbringsnewerainMarineaviation.aspx|archive-date=29 June 2011|url-status=live}}</ref> It was first test flown on 29 August 2009 by [[VX-20]], and first deployed in October 2010 with [[VMGR-352]].<ref name="HAWK deploy">{{cite web|url=http://www.marines.mil/unit/mcascherrypoint/Pages/KC130JHarvestHawk20110401.aspx|title=KC-130J Harvest Hawk: Marine Corps teaches old plane new tricks in Afghanistan|first=SSgt Christopher|last=Flurry|work=[[2nd Marine Aircraft Wing]] (Fwd)|publisher=United States Marine Corps|location=Camp Dwyer, Afghanistan|date=1 April 2011|access-date=5 April 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110602160836/http://www.marines.mil/unit/mcascherrypoint/Pages/KC130JHarvestHawk20110401.aspx|archive-date=2 June 2011|url-status=live}}</ref>
{{Multiple image
|header_background= #DCDCDC
|header   = The Lockheed Martin KC-130J Harvest HAWK components and operation
|align    = center
|perrow   = 3
|width1   = 265
|image1   = Harvest Hawk KC-130J with Hellfire.jpg
|caption1 = [[AGM-114 Hellfire|Hellfire missile]] wing pylon launcher
|width2   = 265
|image2   = Griffin missile launcher installed on loading ramp of a KC-130J.jpg
|caption2 = [[AGM-176 Griffin|Griffin missile]] ramp launcher
|width3   = 99
|image3   = USMC Harvest HAWK Paratrooper Door Launcher.jpg
|caption3 = Griffin missile door launcher
|width4   = 197
|image4   = Harvest HAWK TSS.jpg
|caption4 = Target Sight System attached to the rear of a wing pylon fuel tank
|width5   = 197
|image5   = USMC Harvest HAWK Command and Control pallet.jpg
|caption5 = Acquisition and fire control pallet
|width6   = 235
|image6   = USMC Harvest HAWK in action.ogv
|caption6 = Video of KC-130J Harvest HAWK live fire testing with early era equipment, 2013
}}

==Operational history==
[[File:KC-130F VMGR-152 landing at Dong Ha 1967.JPEG|thumb|A [[VMGR-152]] KC-130F landing at [[Dong Ha]], [[Vietnam War|Vietnam]], in 1967.]]
The KC-130 has supported operations in the [[Vietnam War]], [[Operation Desert Shield (Gulf War)|Operation Desert Shield]], [[Operation Desert Storm]], [[Operation Enduring Freedom]], [[Operation Iraqi Freedom]] and other USMC operations over the last fifty years. It also participated in the [[Falklands War]] for Argentina.

VMGR-252, Cherry Point, NC, was the first fleet squadron to transition to the KC-130J.  Contrary to most military squadrons when they transition to a new aircraft, VMGR-252 did not "stand down" to train and equip for the new airframe.  Instead, they continued full-time fleet support with their "legacy" Hercs until fully converted to the J model. This trend was continued by squadrons as they transitioned to the KC-130J.

In February 2005, VMGR-252 made the first operational combat deployment of the KC-130J when six aircraft were deployed to Al Asad, Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.  During this time VMGR-252 experienced many "firsts" with the new J model conducting aerial refueling, delivery of cargo and passengers, the first combat aerial delivery of supplies by any J model user (the USAF subsequently conducted aerial delivery in Afghanistan with their new J models later that year) and battlefield illumination.  VMGR-252 maintained the sole KC-130J presence for a year while VMGR-352 took delivery of and transitioned to the J model.  The semi-permissive threat environment and the state of the art defensive systems of the J model permitted it to operate over the battlefield, providing fuel for the jets close to the fight, versus the tanker being far behind the lines in relative sanctuary.  On more than one occasion VMGR-252 aircraft came under fire from insurgents, as did VMGR-352 aircraft during subsequent deployments to Iraq.

In 2006, VMGR-252 and 352 shared a joint detachment in Iraq and this paradigm continued for a number of years.  In the summer of 2006, VMGR-252 provided a two KC-130J detachment in support of the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit (24MEU) to RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus during the Lebanon/Israeli conflict that summer.  Also during this time VMGR-252 began extensive operational training and tactics development with the new MV-22 Osprey, refining long range tanker procedures with the new tilt-rotor aircraft.

In Spring 2008, VMGR-252 again made KC-130J history by providing the KC-130J aircraft detachment to 24MEU as they reestablished the USMC presence in Kandahar, Afghanistan.  This deployment experienced numerous great KC-130J successes conducting all manner of expeditionary type missions routinely landing at austere dirt runways, tactical aerial delivery of goods, and the traditional logistic support and refueling missions that are the hallmark of USMC KC-130 support.
[[File:KC-130J Harvest Hawk mission markers Afghanistan 2011.JPG|thumb|KC-130J Harvest Hawk weapon launch markings in Afghanistan, 2011.]]
Though the USMC KC-130Js have left Iraq, a continuing KC-130J presence has now been maintained in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan, with aircraft and crews provided by both VMGR-252 and 352 during different periods.  In May 2009, the Okinawa-based "SUMOS" of VMGR-152 provided two aircraft and crews to support the OEF presence.  This was VMGR-152's first operational combat deployment since Vietnam, and they have been maintaining a continuing presence in Afghanistan with VMGR-352/252.

USMC KC-130J aircraft from VMGR-252 and 352 have additionally been deployed to Djibouti for operations in the Horn of African supporting counter-terrorist operations in the region.

After the [[2010 Pakistan floods]], KC-130Js from USMC [[VMGR-352]] squadron delivered over 90,000&nbsp;kg (200,000&nbsp;lbs) of cargo across Pakistan in support of flood relief efforts.<ref>{{cite web |last=States |first=United |url=https://www.flickr.com/photos/marine_corps/4986133931/ |title=Marine Corps KC-130 arrives in Pakistan &#124; Flickr – Photo Sharing! |date=31 August 2010 |publisher=Flickr |access-date=8 May 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140124184407/http://www.flickr.com/photos/marine_corps/4986133931/ |archive-date=24 January 2014 |url-status=live }}</ref>

The Harvest Hawk weapons system for USMC KC-130J aircraft began its first deployment during October 2010 in Afghanistan with Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 352 ([[VMGR-352]]).<ref name="HAWK deploy" /> Its first weapons engagement was on 4 November supporting the [[3rd Battalion 5th Marines]] in Sangin. One Hellfire missile was fired and five enemy insurgents were killed. The battle damage assessment stated there were no civilian casualties or property damage during the fire fight.<ref name="dvidshub.net" />

A KC-130J from the [[26th MEU]] participated in a pilot rescue during [[Operation Odyssey Dawn]].<ref name="USMCrescue">{{cite web|url=http://www.marinecorpstimes.com/news/2011/03/marine-libya-pilot-rescue-details-released-032211w/|title=Details of Marines' pilot rescue released|last=Lamothe|first=Dan|date=22 March 2011|work=Marine Corps Times|access-date=24 March 2011|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110326124755/http://www.marinecorpstimes.com/news/2011/03/marine-libya-pilot-rescue-details-released-032211w/|archive-date=26 March 2011}}</ref>

==Variants==
[[File:KC-130R VMGR-252 refueling Harriers 1978.JPEG|thumb|The [[VMGR-252]] KC-130R, in this case BuNo 160625 (ex-AF Ser. No. 77-0321), was retired in 2008.]]

;KC-130B
:Six C-130B models were modified into in-flight refueling tankers. 4 currently operating with the [[Republic of Singapore Air Force]] (all four to be upgraded to KC-130H standard), 1 with [[Indonesian Air Force]].
;KC-130F:
:Enhanced KC-130B, 46 built
;KC-130H
:Tanker variant of C-130H, 33 built. In addition to these, JASDF has modified several (at least three) of its C-130Hs to have aerial refueling capability and uses them to support its UH-60J rescue helicopters.<ref name=Tokunaga2021>{{Cite journal|title=Mission AAR: Aerial refueling training of UH-60Js of the Air Rescue Wing|last=Tokunaga|first=Katsuhiko|journal=[[:ja:航空ファン (雑誌)|KOKU-FAN]]|publisher=Bunrin-dō|volume=70|number=9|pages=1–9|date=September 2021|id={{NAID|40022651147}}|lang=ja}}</ref>
;KC-130R
:14 former USAF aircraft transferred to the U.S. Marine Corps. Six had refueling gear removed and were sold to the [[Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force]] as C-130R aircraft to replace their remaining [[NAMC YS-11|YS-11M/M-A]] aircraft for troop and cargo movement, humanitarian efforts, transport of senior leaders, and medical evacuation.<ref>[http://www.c-130.net/aircraft-database/C-130/serials-and-inventory/airforce/JMSDF/ Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force C-130s] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170923194134/http://www.c-130.net/aircraft-database/C-130/serials-and-inventory/airforce/JMSDF/ |date=23 September 2017 }} Retrieved 12 February 2017</ref><ref>[http://www.navair.navy.mil/index.cfm?fuseaction=home.NAVAIRNewsStory&id=5277 Sale Gives New Life to Excess C-130s] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130314050915/http://www.navair.navy.mil/index.cfm?fuseaction=home.NavairNewsStory&id=5277 |date=14 March 2013 }} – NAVAIR.Navy.mil, 7 March 2013]. Retrieved 27 September 2017</ref> Regeneration began in November 2012 and was to be completed by Fall 2013.
;KC-130T
:Variant from C-130H, 28 built
;KC-130T-30
:Variant from C-130H-30, 2 built,<ref name="kc-130t">{{cite web
  | title = Lockheed KC-130T-30 Hercules (L-382) - USA - Marines
  | publisher = Airliners
  | date = 2 October 2012
  | url = http://www.airliners.net/photo/USA---Marines/Lockheed-KC-130T-30-Hercules/2166650/%26sid%3D5951c5eac7ad46d6efdc40139e1a0cc4
  | accessdate = 1 March 2023
  | archive-date = 4 March 2016
  | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160304061633/http://www.airliners.net/photo/USA---Marines/Lockheed-KC-130T-30-Hercules/2166650/%26sid%3D5951c5eac7ad46d6efdc40139e1a0cc4
  | url-status = live
  }}</ref> transferred to the U.S. Navy and converted to C-130T-30s. 
;KC-130J
:Variant from C-130J

==Operators==
[[File:US Navy 070205-M-3968C-119 Two KC-130J Hercules aircraft, assigned to Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron (VMGR) 352, stagger themselves during a refueling training exercise off the coast of Southern California.jpg|thumb|Two VMGR-352 KC-130Js during a training exercise, February 2007.]]

=== Current ===
;{{Flag|Argentina}}
* [[Argentine Air Force]]
** 1st Air Transport Squadron – [[El Palomar (airbase)|El Palomar]] Air Base KC-130H

;{{Flag|Brazil}}
* [[Brazilian Air Force]]
** 1º/1ºGT (1º Esquadrão do 1º Grupo de Transporte) – [[Galeão Air Force Base]], Two KC-130H

;{{Flag|Chile}}
* [[Chilean Air Force]]
** Grupo de Aviación N°10 (Santiago) four KC-130R<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.infodefensa.com/latam/2016/05/16/noticia-estados-unidos-entrega-segundo-avion-kc130r-hercules-comprado-chile.html|title=Estados Unidos entrega el segundo avión KC-130R 'Hercules' comprado por Chile – Noticias Infodefensa América|last=Infodefensa.com|date=16 May 2016|website=infodefensa.com|access-date=14 March 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180315003717/http://www.infodefensa.com/latam/2016/05/16/noticia-estados-unidos-entrega-segundo-avion-kc130r-hercules-comprado-chile.html|archive-date=15 March 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> delivered in 2016. Two in service as 2019.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.flightglobal.com/reports/world-air-forces-2020/135665.article|title=World Air Forces 2020|access-date=22 December 2019|archive-date=10 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191210142102/https://www.flightglobal.com/reports/world-air-forces-2020/135665.article|url-status=live}}</ref>

;{{Flag|Canada}}
* [[Royal Canadian Air Force]]
** [[435 Transport and Rescue Squadron]] operates 4 KC-130H as CC-130H(T)

;{{Flag|France}}
* [[French Air Force]]
** Two KC-130Js on order<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.avionslegendaires.net/2015/12/actu/larmee-de-lair-operationnelle-super-hercules-2016/ |title=L'armée de l'air, opérationnelle sur Super Hercules dès 2016 |language=fr |access-date=27 April 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160318055155/http://www.avionslegendaires.net/2015/12/actu/larmee-de-lair-operationnelle-super-hercules-2016/ |archive-date=18 March 2016 |url-status=dead }}</ref> and delivery in 2016.

;{{Flag|Germany}}
* [[German Air Force]]
** Three KC-130Js on order. To be operated in a joint Franco-German squadron based at Évreux-Fauville Air Base in France.

;{{Flag|Indonesia}}
* [[Indonesian Air Force]]
** Skadron Udara 32 operated 2 KC-130B. One crashed in 2015 (A-1309 & A-1310).

;{{Flag|Israel}}
* [[Israeli Air Force]]
** [[103 Squadron (Israel)|103 "Elephants" Squadron]] at [[Nevatim Airbase|Nevatim]] KC-130H
** [[131 Squadron (Israel)|131 "Yellow Bird" Squadron]] at [[Nevatim Airbase|Nevatim]] KC-130H

;{{Flag|Italy}}
* [[Italian Air Force]]
** 46 Brigata Aerea, 2 Gruppo – Pisa-San Giusto operates 7 C-130J converted to KC-130J,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.aleniaaermacchi.it/en-US/Media/news/Documents/new632_1.pdf |title=Alenia Aeronautica: flight refuelling tests for the Eurofighter Typhoon with Italian Air Force C-130J tanker successfully completed |work=Alenia Aeronautica |date=10 November 2008 |access-date=5 June 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131231000248/http://www.aleniaaermacchi.it/en-US/Media/news/Documents/new632_1.pdf |archive-date=31 December 2013 }}</ref> 1 lost to crash<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/2009/11/24/335402/crashed-italian-c-130j-confirmed-as-modified-tanker.html |title=Crashed Italian C-130J confirmed as modified tanker |work=Flight International |date=24 November 2009 |access-date=8 May 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091215072432/http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/2009/11/24/335402/crashed-italian-c-130j-confirmed-as-modified-tanker.html |archive-date=15 December 2009 |url-status=live }}</ref>

;{{Flag|Japan}}
* [[Japan Maritime Self Defense Force]]
** [[Air Transport Squadron 61]] ([[Fleet Air Force (JMSDF)|Fleet Air Force]]) operates six C-130R, converted from KC-130R
*[[Japan Air Self-Defense Force]]
** [[1st Tactical Airlift Group (JASDF)|1st Tactical Airlift Group]] operates at least three KC-130H<ref name=Tokunaga2021/>
;{{Flag|Kuwait}}
* [[Kuwait Air Force]] 42 Transport Squadron
: 3 KC-130J in service, with an option to purchase three more<ref name=Kuwait_AF_orders_KC-130Js>[http://defpro.com/news/details/15576/ "Lockheed Martin Awarded Contract for Kuwait Air Force KC-130J Tankers."] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110709010517/http://defpro.com/news/details/15576/ |date=9 July 2011 }} ''defpro.com'', 27 May 2010. Retrieved 17 July 2010.</ref>

;{{Flag|Libya}}
* [[Libyan Air Force]]
: 7 are on order{{citation needed|date=January 2015}}

;{{Flag|Malaysia}}
* [[Royal Malaysian Air Force]] 20 Squadron
: 4 KC-130T in service<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.milaviapress.com/orbat/malaysia/ |title=Order of Battle – Malaysia |access-date=9 May 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160317165351/http://milaviapress.com/orbat/malaysia/ |archive-date=17 March 2016 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

;{{Flag|Morocco}}
* [[Royal Moroccan Air Force]] Air Transport Squadron
: Operates 2 KC-130H aircraft{{citation needed|date=January 2015}}

;{{Flag|Peru}}
*[[Peruvian Air Force]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.heraldo.es/noticias/aragon/zaragoza/2020/09/10/espana-vende-cuatro-aviones-hercules-de-la-base-de-zaragoza-1394800.html?autoref=true|title=España vende cuatro aviones Hércules de la Base de Zaragoza|date=10 September 2020 |access-date=26 December 2021|archive-date=26 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211226182144/https://www.heraldo.es/noticias/aragon/zaragoza/2020/09/10/espana-vende-cuatro-aviones-hercules-de-la-base-de-zaragoza-1394800.html?autoref=true|url-status=live}}</ref>
Operates two KC-130H aircraft acquired from Spain in 2020.

;{{Flagu|Saudi Arabia}}
* [[Royal Saudi Air Force]]
** 32 Sqn based at Prince Sultan Airbase (KC-130H) : 5 KC-130J on order{{citation needed|date=January 2015}}

;{{Flag|Singapore}}
* [[Republic of Singapore Air Force]] 122 Squadron
**122 Squadron operates 4 KC-130B and 1 KC-130H. Upgraded by [[ST Aerospace]] with a new [[glass cockpit]], avionics suite, and [[flight management system]] which makes the aircraft [[Global air-traffic management]] (GATM)-compliant. The KC-130Bs will also receive an [[auxiliary power unit]] and [[Environmental control system (aircraft)|environmental control system]]s in common with C-130Hs.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.key.aero/view_news.asp?ID=2529&thisSection=military|title=Singapore gets first upgraded C-130|author=Gary Parsons|date=21 September 2010|publisher=Key Publishing|access-date=28 June 2011|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120314151826/http://www.key.aero/view_news.asp?ID=2529&thisSection=military|archive-date=14 March 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/2010/11/12/349670/singapores-c-130-upgrade-makes-progress.html|title=Singapore's C-130 upgrade makes progress|author=Greg Waldron|date=12 November 2010|work=Flight International|access-date=28 June 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101115051627/http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/2010/11/12/349670/singapores-c-130-upgrade-makes-progress.html|archive-date=15 November 2010|url-status=live}}</ref>

;{{Flag|Sweden}}
*[[Swedish Air Force]]
The Swedish air force operates 1 KC-130H tanker

[[File:Lockheed KC-130T of VMGR-452 at RIAT 1993.jpg|thumb|The KC-130T has officially been retired from the USMC Reserve on 5 May 2021, here [[VMGR-452]].]]

;{{Flag|United States}}
* [[United States Marine Corps]]
**[[VMGR-152]] operates 14 KC-130J
**[[VMGR-153]] operates 5 KC-130J; recently re-activated January 2023
**[[VMGR-252]] operates 14 KC-130J
**[[VMGR-352]] operates 14 KC-130J
**[[VMGR-234]] operates 10 KC-130J (only reserve unit)
**[[VMGR-452]] decommissioned December 2022
**[[VMGRT-253]] decommissioned September 2006
* [[United States Navy]]
**[[VX-20]], a combined [[USN]] / [[USMC]] squadron, operates 1 KC-130J used for testing and evaluation, and 3 KC-130T for refueling USN and USMC aircraft conducting tests at [[NAS Patuxent River]]
**[[VX-30]] operates 2 KC-130T for refueling USN and USMC aircraft conducting tests on the [[NAS Point Mugu|NAVAIR Point Mugu Range]]; the KC-130s also conduct range clearing and safety surveillance
* [[United States Coast Guard]]
** 6 [[Lockheed HC-130]]J – 5th Coast Guard District

;{{Flag|Uruguay}}
*[[Uruguayan Air Force]]
Operates two KC-130H aircraft acquired from Spain in 2020 to replace its two C-130B aircraft.

=== Former ===
;{{Flag|Spain}}
*[[Spanish Air Force]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.aerotime.aero/26853-spanish-air-force-says-adios-to-c-130-hercules|title=Spanish Air Force says "adiós" to C-130 Hercules|date=4 January 2021 |access-date=26 December 2021|archive-date=26 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211226181913/https://www.aerotime.aero/26853-spanish-air-force-says-adios-to-c-130-hercules|url-status=live}}</ref>

==Specifications (KC-130J)==
[[File:Lockheed Martin KC-130J Hercules 3-view line drawing.svg|400px|right]]
{{Aircraft specs
|ref=Lockheed Martin KC-130J Super Tanker fact sheet<ref name="LM fact">[http://www.lockheedmartin.com/products/c130/variants/kc-130j-supertanker.html "Fact sheet: KC-130J Super Tanker"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110820000021/http://www.lockheedmartin.com/products/c130/variants/kc-130j-supertanker.html |date=20 August 2011 }} ''Lockheed Martin'', October 2009 Retrieved: 3 October 2010.</ref>
|prime units?=kts
<!--
        General characteristics
-->
|crew= 4 (two pilots, one crew chief and one loadmaster are minimum crew)
|capacity={{cvt|42000|lb|0}}
:* 92 passengers ''or''
:* 64 airborne troops ''or''
:* 6 pallets ''or''
:* 74 litter patients with 2 medical personnel
:* 2–3 [[Humvee]]s or an [[M113 armored personnel carrier]]
:*Fuel offload capacity {{cvt|57000|lb|0}}
|length ft=97
|length in=9
|length note=
|span ft=132
|span in=7
|span note=
|height ft=38
|height in=10
|height note=
|wing area sqft=1745
|wing area note=
|aspect ratio=<!-- sailplanes -->
|airfoil='''root:''' [[NACA airfoil|NACA 64A318]]; '''tip:''' [[NACA airfoil|NACA 64A412]]<ref name="Selig">{{cite web |last1=Lednicer |first1=David |title=The Incomplete Guide to Airfoil Usage |url=https://m-selig.ae.illinois.edu/ads/aircraft.html |website=m-selig.ae.illinois.edu |access-date=16 April 2019 |archive-date=26 March 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190326174850/https://m-selig.ae.illinois.edu/ads/aircraft.html |url-status=live }}</ref>
|empty weight lb=75562
|empty weight note=
|gross weight lb=164000
|gross weight note=
|max takeoff weight lb=175000
|max takeoff weight note=
|fuel capacity={{convert|61,364|lb|kg|abbr=on}} (with external tanks)<ref>[https://www.lockheedmartin.com/en-us/products/c130/kc-130j-tanker.html KC-130J Tanker - Lockheed Martin] ''Retrieved 24 June 2024''</ref>
|more general=
<!--
        Powerplant
-->
|eng1 number=4
|eng1 name= [[Allison T56]] and [[Rolls-Royce AE 2100D3]]
|eng1 type=[[turboprop]] engines
|eng1 shp=4637
|eng1 note=
|prop blade number=6
|prop name=[[Dowty Group|Dowty]] R391 constant-speed fully feathering reversible-pitch composite propellers
|prop dia ft=<!-- propeller aircraft -->
|prop dia in=<!-- propeller aircraft -->
|prop dia note=
<!--
        Performance
-->
|max speed kts=362
|max speed note=
|cruise speed kts=348
|cruise speed note=
|stall speed kts=
|stall speed note=
|never exceed speed kts=
|never exceed speed note=
|minimum control speed kts=
|minimum control speed note=
|range nmi=2835
|range note=
|ferry range nmi=
|ferry range note=
|endurance=<!-- if range unknown -->
|ceiling ft=28000
|ceiling note=with {{cvt|42000|lb|0}} payload
|climb rate ftmin=
|climb rate note=
|time to altitude=
|lift to drag=
|wing loading lb/sqft=
|wing loading note=
|fuel consumption lb/mi=
|power/mass=
|more performance=<br />
*'''Take-off run:''' {{cvt|3127|ft|0}} at {{cvt|155000|lb|0}}
|avionics=
}}

==See also==
{{Portal|Aviation}}

{{aircontent
|related=
* [[Lockheed AC-130]]
* [[Lockheed C-130 Hercules]]
* [[Lockheed DC-130]]
* [[Lockheed EC-130]]
* [[Lockheed HC-130]]
* [[Lockheed L-100 Hercules]]
* [[Lockheed LC-130]]
* [[Lockheed Martin C-130J Super Hercules]]
* [[Lockheed MC-130]]
* [[Lockheed WC-130]]
|similar aircraft=
* [[Airbus A400M Atlas]]
* [[Antonov An-12]]
* [[Blackburn Beverley]]
* [[Shaanxi Y-8]]
* [[Short Belfast]]
* [[Transall C-160]]
* [[Embraer C-390 Millennium]]

|lists=
* [[List of accidents and incidents involving the Lockheed C-130 Hercules]]
* [[List of active Canadian military aircraft]]
* [[List of active United Kingdom military aircraft]]
* [[List of active United States military aircraft]]
* [[List of aircraft of the Israeli Air Force]]
* [[List of aircraft of the Royal Air Force]]
* [[List of Lockheed aircraft]]
* [[List of United States Navy aircraft designations (pre-1962)]]
* [[List of United States military aerial refueling aircraft]]
}}

==References==
{{reflist|colwidth=30em}}

==External links==
{{Commons category|Lockheed KC-130 Hercules}}

{{Lockheed Hercules}}
{{Lockheed Martin aircraft}}
{{USAF transports}}

[[Category:Lockheed aircraft|C-130, K]]
[[Category:Lockheed Martin aircraft|C-130, K]]
[[Category:1960s United States military tanker aircraft|KC-130 Hercules]]
[[Category:Four-engined tractor aircraft]]
[[Category:High-wing aircraft]]
[[Category:Four-engined turboprop aircraft]]
[[Category:Air refueling]]
[[Category:Lockheed C-130 Hercules|KC-130]]