How US Special Forces Prepare the Weirdest Lockheed C-130 Ever Made
Video from the channel Fluctus about Lockheed C-130 Hercules, linked on its Above Ten Thousand entry. Duration: 16:05. Language: English. Video type: Documentary.
What it's about
An explainer piece about the MC-130J, the special-operations variant of the C-130 Hercules, and its work in the Arctic, with a final section on the ski-equipped LC-130. It explains pre-flight preparation in extreme cold: hot air blown into the engines through hoses connected to the propeller hub, and charging the auxiliary power unit with an external generator.
Historical background
The MC-130J first flew in April 2011 and is used to infiltrate, exfiltrate, and resupply special operations forces. Besides dropping cargo and paratroopers at temperatures as low as minus 21 degrees, it takes part in Arctic domain awareness flights in which it releases probes that measure sea temperature, salinity, and density. The LC-130H, operated by the Air National Guard from Stratton Air National Guard Base in New York, supplies Antarctic stations and High Arctic radar sites from ice and snow runways.
Key facts
The MC-130J is powered by four Rolls-Royce AE 2100D3 turboprops, reaches 362 knots at 22,000 feet, and carries two pilots, a combat systems officer, and two loadmasters; the fleet was due to reach 57 aircraft in fiscal year 2025. The LC-130H, with a combined wheel-and-ski landing gear and eight-blade propellers, carries 92 passengers or 74 litters and can use JATO rockets that add 15,000 pounds of thrust on takeoff.