Data Quality83%
MASS(Military Archive Scoring System)
ⓘ Regardless of era, the same scoring system applies to all units in the tactical transports category.
01 / Overview
MC-130 Hercules
Category
Country
Production
1964–2025
Quantity
130
Operators
💰 PERFORMANCE / PRICE ASSESSMENT Methodology ↗
TACTICAL TRANSPORTS · COLD WAR
2
PERFORMANCE/PRICE
90
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 Flight2011
- Service Entry Year1966
- Crew3
- Primary Roleinfiltration, exfiltration, and resupply of special operations forces
- In ServiceYes
◈Powerplant3MOD.3
- Engine TypeRolls-Royce AE 2100D3
- Number of Engines4
- Power (each, turboprop)2,500 kW
▣Performance5MOD.5
- Cruise Speed671.036 km/h
- Top Speed640 km/h
- Service Ceiling8,534.4 m
- Maximum Range3,800 km
- Unpaved / Short FieldYes
◇Cargo & Capacity2MOD.2
- Maximum Payload20,000 kg
- Rear Loading RampYes
◆Aerial Refueling2MOD.2
▤Dimensions & Weights4MOD.4
- Length0.229 m
- Wingspan40 m
- Height0.254 m
- Max Takeoff Weight74,390.4 kg
⬢Production2MOD.2
- Total Built146
- Variants5
▲Service History2MOD.2
- Production Start1964
- Production End2025
03 / History
SERVICE LIFESPANStill in Service
- 1964Production started
- 1965Entered service
- 2025Production ended
62
years in service
61
years in production
130
units produced
1
countries operating
ⓘ The producing country still actively operates it.
05 / MASS Score
TACTICAL TRANSPORTS RANKING Tactical Transports · Cold War
MASS RANKINGSMASS ↗
9TACTICAL TRANSPORTS2COLD WAR · TACTICAL TRANSPORTS235UNITED STATES · ALL WEAPONS44PERFORMANCE/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