Current as of January 05, 2026
MISSION
The HC-130J is the only fixed-wing platform in the Air Force inventory modified for dedicated personnel recovery operations. It is an extended-range version of the C-130J Super Hercules. The Combat King II provides the capability to rapidly deploy and execute global search and rescue operations in austere environments and denied territory.
Additionally, it facilitates all-weather personnel recovery operations to include airdrop, air-land, tanker and receiver air-to-air refueling, non-traditional intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR), forward area ground refueling and Combat Search and Rescue Coordinator (CSAR-C) missions.
The Combat King II’s unique situational awareness capability facilitates communication and mission activities between the rescue operation center and rescue mission elements. Additionally, its range and capabilities allow it to conduct a multitude of additional missions, such as humanitarian assistance, disaster response, aeromedical and noncombatant evacuation operations.
FEATURES
Modifications to the HC-130J have improved the aircraft’s navigation, communication, threat detection and countermeasures systems. It is equipped with a forward-looking electro-optical/infrared sensor with video datalink capabilities along with satellite and data-burst communication.
Robust threat countermeasure systems allow the aircraft to operate in a hostile environment. Additionally, the ability to receive fuel in-flight via a Universal Aerial Refueling Receptacle Slipway Installation allows for extended range and endurance.
The HC-130J is typically employed during the night at low- to medium-altitude levels in contested or sensitive environments, both over land and over water. To enhance the probability of mission success and survivability near populated areas, crews use night vision goggles (NVGs) and ground-mapping radar equipment to fly tactical flight profiles to avoid detection and accomplish covert infiltration/exfiltration and transload operations. The aircraft is equipped with Link-16 and beyond-line-of-sight (BLOS) communications.
Airdrop operations are conducted to rapidly deliver personnel or equipment to a remote area. Rescue-specific drops may include the deployment of illumination flares, marker smokes and rescue kits containing lifesaving and sustaining supplies. Tanker air-to-air refueling can be conducted at night, with no verbal communication, with up to two simultaneous helicopters, tiltrotors or probe-fitted fixed-wing aircraft. Additionally, forward area refueling point operations can be established to support a variety of joint and coalition partners at austere forward operating locations.
BACKGROUND
The HC-130J is a result of the HC/MC-130 recapitalization program and replaced Air Combat Command's aged HC-130P/N fleet as the dedicated fixed-wing personnel recovery platform in the Air Force inventory. The aircraft’s first flight was July 29, 2010. The 71st and 79th Rescue Squadrons, 418th Test and Evaluation Squadron in Air Combat Command; the 512th Rescue Squadron in Air Education and Training Command; the 106th, 129th, 176th and 150th Special Operations Wings in the Air National Guard; and the 920th Rescue Wing in Air Force Reserve Command all operate the aircraft.
The personnel recovery mission was first assigned to the Air Rescue Service as a function of Military Airlift Command. It was transferred to Air Combat Command from 1992 to 2003. It then became a function of Air Force Special Operations Command at Hurlburt Field, Fla. In 2006, personnel recovery and combat search and rescue were transferred back to Air Combat Command. Fixed-wing search and rescue lineage has ranged from legendary aircraft such as modified B-17s and C-47s to the now-proud heritage of the HC-130J.