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MC-130 Hercules
Photo: Airwolfhound from Hertfordshire, UK · Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 2.0
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MC-130Hercules

Tactical Transports · United States · 1964
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MC-130Hercules

MC-130 Hercules
MC-130 Hercules Photo: Airwolfhound from Hertfordshire, UK · Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 2.0
* Absolute score — assessed within category · no era adjustment
Payload
85
Short / Rough-Field Capability
90
Range
75
Cargo Versatility
80
Reliability
90
Self-Protection
60
Low-Altitude Capability
85
Versatility
90
Technology
70
Cost-Effectiveness
85
Origin United States
CategoryTactical Transports
EraCold War
In service1964–2025
Operators1 countries
Quantity130
Data Quality83%
MASS(Military Archive Scoring System)
82
Tactical Transports MASS Rating
2/39
Cold War
9/215
All-Time
Tactical Transports · 10 axes scored
Payload
85
Short / Rough-Field Capability
90
Range
75
Cargo Versatility
80
Reliability
90
Self-Protection
60
Low-Altitude Capability
85
Versatility
90
Technology
70
Cost-Effectiveness
85
ⓘ Regardless of era, the same scoring system applies to all units in the tactical transports category.
01 / Overview
MC-130 Hercules
Production
1964–2025
Quantity
130
Operators
💰 PERFORMANCE / PRICE ASSESSMENT Methodology ↗
TACTICAL TRANSPORTS · COLD WAR
2
PERFORMANCE/PRICE
90
UNIT COST (2025 USD)
—
82
tactical transports category
ⓘ 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
◆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
  1. 1964Production started
  2. 1965Entered service
  3. 2025Production ended
62
years in service
61
years in production
130
units produced
1
countries operating
ⓘ The producing country still actively operates it.
04 / Operators
Operator Countries1country
📖 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
📖 ENCYCLOPEDIA Browse the Tactical Transports entry →