Data Quality84%
MASS(Military Archive Scoring System)
ⓘ Regardless of era, the same scoring system applies to all units in the tactical transports category.
01 / Overview
HC-130B Hercules
💰 PERFORMANCE / PRICE ASSESSMENT Methodology ↗
TACTICAL TRANSPORTS · EARLY COLD WAR
13
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 RoleSearch and rescue (SAR)/combat search and rescue (CSAR)
- In ServiceYes
◈Powerplant2MOD.2
- Engine TypeAllison T56-A-15 (USAF HC-130H); T56-A-7 (HC-130B)
- Number of Engines4
▣Performance7MOD.7
- Cruise Speed540 km/h
- Top Speed592 km/h
- Service Ceiling10,060 m
- Maximum Range4,000 km
- Range with Max Payload2,400 km
- Takeoff Run1,097 m
- Unpaved / Short FieldYes
◇Cargo & Capacity7MOD.7
- Maximum Payload19,870 kg
- Cargo Hold Volume127.4
- Troop Capacity92
- Paratroop Capacity64
- Vehicle CapacityAirdrop of pararescue teams, small bundles, zodiac watercraft, or all-terrain vehicles
- Pallet Positions6
- Rear Loading RampYes
◆Aerial Refueling4MOD.4
- Aerial TankerYes
- Fuel Offload Capacity18,930 kg
- Refueling Method (boom/drogue)Probe-and-drogue (helicopters); underwing refueling pods; internal fuel transfer
- In-Flight RefuelableYes
▤Dimensions & Weights5MOD.5
- Length29.79 m
- Wingspan39.74 m
- Height11.66 m
- Empty Weight34,170 kg
- Max Takeoff Weight70,310 kg
⬢Production2MOD.2
- Operators2
- Variants6
▲Service History2MOD.2
- Production Start1959
- Operational StatusIn service with US Air Force and US Coast Guard
03 / History
SERVICE LIFESPANStill in Service
- 1959Production started
67
years in service
1
countries operating
ⓘ The producing country still actively operates it.
05 / MASS Score
TACTICAL TRANSPORTS RANKING Tactical Transports · Early Cold War
MASS RANKINGSMASS ↗
54TACTICAL TRANSPORTS13EARLY COLD WAR · TACTICAL TRANSPORTS850UNITED 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