Data Quality86%
MASS(Military Archive Scoring System)
ⓘ Regardless of era, the same scoring system applies to all units in the tactical transports category.
01 / Overview
HC-130 Hercules
Category
Country
Production
1959–
Quantity
130
Operators
Conflicts
💰 PERFORMANCE / PRICE ASSESSMENT Methodology ↗
TACTICAL TRANSPORTS · EARLY COLD WAR
8
PERFORMANCE/PRICE
88
UNIT COST (2025 USD)
—
ⓘ Performance/Price and MASS score are computed across all units in the tactical transports category, regardless of era.
02 / Specs & Design
◎General5MOD.5
- First Flight1959
- Service Entry Year1959
- Crew5
- Primary RoleCombat search and rescue (CSAR)
- In ServiceYes
◈Powerplant3MOD.3
- Engine TypeAllison T56-A-15
- Number of Engines4
- Power (each, turboprop)2,800 kW
▣Performance6MOD.6
- Cruise Speed540 km/h
- Top Speed640 km/h
- Service Ceiling9,400 m
- Maximum Range4,400 km
- Takeoff Run1,000 m
- Unpaved / Short FieldYes
◇Cargo & Capacity6MOD.6
- Maximum Payload19,000 kg
- Cargo Hold Volume167
- Troop Capacity92
- Paratroop Capacity64
- Pallet Positions8
- Rear Loading RampYes
◆Aerial Refueling3MOD.3
- Aerial TankerYes
- Refueling Method (boom/drogue)refueling pods on underwing pylons
- In-Flight RefuelableYes
▤Dimensions & Weights5MOD.5
- Length29.77 m
- Wingspan40.41 m
- Height11.65 m
- Empty Weight33,000 kg
- Max Takeoff Weight70,000 kg
⬢Production2MOD.2
- Operators3
- Variants6
03 / History
SERVICE LIFESPANStill in Service
- 1945First deployment: Cold War
- 1959Production started
67
years in service
130
units produced
1
countries operating
ⓘ The producing country still actively operates it.
04 / Conflicts
HC-130 HERCULES · CONFLICTS SERVED IN100% win
Total Conflicts
1
Victories
1
Ongoing
0
Losses
0
ⓘ Shown only from conflicts recorded in our database.
05 / Variants
▚ WEAPON FAMILY
07 / MASS Score
TACTICAL TRANSPORTS RANKING Tactical Transports · Early Cold War
MASS RANKINGSMASS ↗
19TACTICAL TRANSPORTS8EARLY COLD WAR · TACTICAL TRANSPORTS383UNITED STATES · ALL WEAPONS61PERFORMANCE/PRICE · TACTICAL TRANSPORTS
ⓘ Rankings are within theTactical Transportscategory.
📖 TERMS ON THIS PAGE4terms
Aerial tanker: military aircraft equipped to refuel other aircraft in flight using a system of hoses or booms.
Capable of receiving fuel from another aircraft while in flight, extending its operational range and endurance.
A hinged rear fuselage section on military transport aircraft that lowers to enable direct loading/unloading of cargo or vehicles from the aircraft's tail.
Ability to take off and land on unpaved or short runways.
These terms are listed automatically because they appear on this page.full encyclopedia →
📚 Sources