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
Lockheed KC-130J Super Hercules
💰 PERFORMANCE / PRICE ASSESSMENT Methodology ↗
TACTICAL TRANSPORTS · POST-COLD WAR
2
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 Flight1996
- Service Entry Year1999
- Crew3
- Primary RoleTactical airlifter
- In ServiceYes
◈Powerplant4MOD.4
- Engine TypeRolls-Royce AE 2100D3 turboprop
- Number of Engines4
- Thrust (each)4,690
- Power (each, turboprop)3,430 kW
▣Performance7MOD.7
- Cruise Speed540 km/h
- Top Speed670 km/h
- Service Ceiling8,534 m
- Maximum Range3,300 km
- Range with Max Payload2,000 km
- Takeoff Run950 m
- Unpaved / Short FieldYes
◇Cargo & Capacity7MOD.7
- Maximum Payload19,686 kg
- Cargo Hold Volume127.4
- Troop Capacity92
- Paratroop Capacity64
- Vehicle Capacity2 M113 armored personnel carriers or 1 LAV
- Pallet Positions6
- Rear Loading RampYes
◆Aerial Refueling4MOD.4
- Aerial TankerYes
- Fuel Offload Capacity18,955 kg
- Refueling Method (boom/drogue)probe-and-drogue
- In-Flight RefuelableYes
▤Dimensions & Weights5MOD.5
- Length29.79 m
- Wingspan39.74 m
- Height11.66 m
- Empty Weight34,274 kg
- Max Takeoff Weight70,307 kg
⬢Production3MOD.3
- Total Built500
- Operators26
- Variants1
▲Service History2MOD.2
- Production Start1996
- Operational StatusIn service
03 / History
SERVICE LIFESPANStill in Service
- 1996Production started
30
years in service
500
units produced
28
countries operating
ⓘ The producing country still actively operates it.
04 / Variants
▚ WEAPON FAMILY
Lockheed KC-130J Super Hercules // SIBLING VARIANTS
05 / Operators
Operator Inventory27country · 526units
526active
06 / MASS Score
TACTICAL TRANSPORTS RANKING Tactical Transports · Post-Cold War
MASS RANKINGSMASS ↗
2TACTICAL TRANSPORTS2POST-COLD WAR · TACTICAL TRANSPORTS141UNITED 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