KC-130H Hercules
Overview
The Lockheed Martin KC-130 is the basic designation for a family of the extended-range tanker
version of the C-130 Hercules transport aircraft modified for aerial refueling. The KC-130H is
therefore the Tanker variant of the C-130H with 33 having been built.
Exercise Role
The KC-130H is being deployed by the Canadian Air Force in the Air-to-Air Refueling (AAR) role. This
process of transferring aviation fuel from one military aircraft (the tanker) to another (the receiver)
during flight allows the receiving aircraft to remain airborne longer, extending its range or loiter time
on station. A series of air refuelings can give range limited only by crew fatigue and engineering
factors such as engine oil consumption. Because the receiver aircraft can be topped up with extra
fuel in the air, air refueling can allow a takeoff with a greater payload which could be weapons, cargo
or personnel.
The KC-130H will be flown out of Trapani Airbase, Italy.
General characteristics
Performance
Crew: Four (two pilots, crew chief & loadmaster.
Cruising speed: 400 miles per hour
Maximum speed: 420 miles per hour
Capacity: 92 seated troops or 64 combat
ready paratroops or 3 Humvee-sized vehicles
or a single Armoured Personnel Carrier.
Range: 3,260 miles
Max take off weight: 175,000lbs
Length: 97 ft, 9 in
Service ceiling: 28,000 ft
Power plant: 4 × Rolls-Royce AR2100D3 turboprop engines
(4,640 ehp) each
Mail: [email protected]
Phone: +34 876 768 662
(Source –Military Factory.com & Wikipedia, KC130/H)
Created by Headquarters Allied Air Command Public Affairs Office
www.ac.nato.int, www.facebook.com/HQAIRCOM.