Data Quality87%
MASS(Military Archive Scoring System)
ⓘ Regardless of era, the same scoring system applies to all units in the tactical transports category.
01 / Overview
Lockheed KC-130H Hercules
💰 PERFORMANCE / PRICE ASSESSMENT Methodology ↗
TACTICAL TRANSPORTS · COLD WAR
7
PERFORMANCE/PRICE
92
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 Flight1983
- Service Entry Year1983
- Crew5
- Primary RoleTactical tanker/transport; aerial refueling; troop/cargo transport; medical evacuation; battlefield illumination; rapid ground refueling
- In ServiceYes
◈Powerplant2MOD.2
- Engine TypeRolls-Royce AE 2100D3 turboprop
- Number of Engines4
▣Performance7MOD.7
- Cruise Speed540 km/h
- Top Speed592 km/h
- Service Ceiling8,534 m
- Maximum Range4,250 km
- Range with Max Payload2,000 km
- Takeoff Run1,100 m
- Unpaved / Short FieldYes
◇Cargo & Capacity6MOD.6
- Maximum Payload19,686 kg
- Cargo Hold Volume55.6
- Troop Capacity92
- Paratroop Capacity64
- Pallet Positions6
- Rear Loading RampYes
◆Aerial Refueling4MOD.4
- Aerial TankerYes
- Fuel Offload Capacity27,215 kg
- Refueling Method (boom/drogue)Probe and drogue (wing-mounted hose and drogue pods)
- In-Flight RefuelableYes
▤Dimensions & Weights5MOD.5
- Length29.79 m
- Wingspan40.41 m
- Height11.66 m
- Empty Weight35,000 kg
- Max Takeoff Weight79,380 kg
⬢Production3MOD.3
- Total Built33
- Operators7
- Variants1
▲Service History2MOD.2
- Production Start1983
- Operational StatusActive
03 / History
SERVICE LIFESPANStill in Service
- 1983Production started
43
years in service
33
units produced
20
countries operating
ⓘ The producing country still actively operates it. 1 countries retired it.
04 / Variants
▚ WEAPON FAMILY
05 / Operators
Operator Inventory7country · 13units
13active
Lockheed KC-130H HerculesSALES3records
Argentina
Canada
Israelⓘ "Present Value" is an estimated amount adjusted for inflation.
06 / MASS Score
TACTICAL TRANSPORTS RANKING Tactical Transports · Cold War
MASS RANKINGSMASS ↗
26TACTICAL TRANSPORTS7COLD WAR · TACTICAL TRANSPORTS439UNITED STATES · ALL WEAPONS14PERFORMANCE/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