Data Quality86%
MASS(Military Archive Scoring System)
ⓘ Regardless of era, the same scoring system applies to all units in the utility / transport helicopters category.
01 / Overview
HC-130J Super Hercules
Category
Country
Production
2008–
Quantity
500
Operators
💰 PERFORMANCE / PRICE ASSESSMENT Methodology ↗
UTILITY / TRANSPORT HELICOPTERS · POST-COLD WAR
1
PERFORMANCE/PRICE
87
UNIT COST (2025 USD)
—
ⓘ Performance/Price and MASS score are computed across all units in the utility / transport helicopters category, regardless of era.
02 / Specs & Design
◎General6MOD.6
- First Flight2003
- Service Entry Year2008
- Crew5
- Passengers92
- Primary RoleAerial refueling, search and rescue, maritime patrol
- In ServiceYes
◈Powerplant3MOD.3
- Engine TypeRolls-Royce AE 2100D3 turboprop
- Number of Engines4
- Engine Power (each)3,430 kW
▣Performance7MOD.7
- Top Speed556 km/h
- Cruise Speed540 km/h
- Service Ceiling8,615 m
- Range3,300 km
- Ferry Range7,400 km
- Rate of Climb9.65 m/s
- Endurance16
◇Dimensions & Weights6MOD.6
- Fuselage Length29.79 m
- Height11.66 m
- Empty Weight36,137 kg
- Max Takeoff Weight79,378 kg
- Useful Load43,241 kg
- Cabin Volume127.4
◆Armament & Mission6MOD.6
- Hardpoints0
- Weapons Payload19,690 kg
- Anti-Tank MissilesNo
- Air-to-Air MissilesNo
- Rocket PodsNo
- Rescue HoistYes
▤Avionics7MOD.7
⬢Survivability6MOD.6
▲Production2MOD.2
- Total Built500
- Variants3
◎Service History2MOD.2
- Production Start2003
- Operational StatusIn service
03 / History
SERVICE LIFESPANStill in Service
- 2008Production started
- 2010Entered service
18
years in service
500
units produced
27
countries operating
ⓘ The producing country still actively operates it. 1 countries retired it.
04 / Variants
▚ WEAPON FAMILY
// SIBLING VARIANTS
05 / Operators
Operator Countries28country
06 / MASS Score
UTILITY / TRANSPORT HELICOPTERS RANKING Utility / Transport Helicopters · Post-Cold War
MASS RANKINGSMASS ↗
12UTILITY / TRANSPORT HELICOPTERS1POST-COLD WAR · UTILITY / TRANSPORT HELICOPTERS184UNITED STATES · ALL WEAPONS94PERFORMANCE/PRICE · UTILITY / TRANSPORT HELICOPTERS
ⓘ Rankings are within theUtility / Transport Helicopterscategory.
📖 TERMS ON THIS PAGE8terms
Autopilot/AFCS (Automatic Flight Control System) is an avionics suite that automatically controls a helicopter’s attitude, navigation and flight path, providing stability augmentation and reducing pilot workload.
Chaff/Flare: Countermeasures deployed by attack helicopters to disrupt radar- or heat-seeking missiles by creating false targets or decoys.
Seats designed to absorb crash forces, reducing injury to occupants.
Combined forward-looking infrared (FLIR) and electro-optical (EO) sensor turret for target acquisition and tracking, typically mounted on aircraft or ground vehicles.
A glass cockpit is an aircraft cockpit featuring electronic instrument displays, typically LCD or CRT screens, replacing traditional analog gauges.
Electronic receiver system that detects and identifies radar signals, alerting aircraft to potential threats for defensive countermeasures.
A mechanical device used to lift personnel or cargo via a cable, typically mounted on helicopters for rescue or recovery operations.
A radar system used to detect and track precipitation, storm intensity, and wind patterns to assist in flight operations and mission planning.
These terms are listed automatically because they appear on this page.full encyclopedia →
📚 Sources