HC-130H Hercules and HC-130J Super Hercules, Long Range Surveillance (LRS) Aircraft The Coast Guard currently operates a long-range turboprop aircraft fleet consisting of 22 HC-130H Hercules and seven HC-130J Super Hercules. However, the HC-130H Hercules aircraft are reaching the end of their useful service lives. The Coast Guard conducted a limited sustainment and enhancement project to modernize systems on its HC-130Hs and is continuing with the acquisition of the more capable and costeffective HC-130J. The remaining HC-130Hs will be systematically retired as the HC-130Js are accepted into service. The HC-130 provides a versatile platform capable of serving as an on-scene command-and-control platform with extended loitering capabilities as well as performing various missions, including maritime patrol, law enforcement, search and rescue, disaster response, and cargo and personnel transport. As a surveillance platform, it provides the critical means to detect, classify, and identify targets. For each of these missions, the information is shared with operational forces capable of interdicting drugs or migrants, protecting living marine resources, and enforcing economic, safety, and security zones. The HC-130 uses a powerful multimode surface-search radar and a nose-mounted electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR)
device combined with an Airborne Tactical Workstation and military satellite communications capability to improve mission effectiveness. In 2001, the Coast Guard received funding for the acquisition of six HC-130Js. Full operational capability with missionization was completed in mid-2010. In recent years, the service has received additional funding for five more aircraft, three of which were ordered through the U.S. Air Force in September 2012. The service received its seventh missionized HC-130J in May 2016. The Air Force contracted for another Coast Guard HC-130J in April 2016. The Coast Guard’s 13th Super Hercules is expected to be delivered in March 2019. • Power plant: (HC-130H) Four 4,910-hp Allison T56-A15 turboprop engines; (HC-130J) four 5,600-hp Rolls-Royce AE2100D turboprop engines driving six-bladed propellers • Performance: (HC-130H) Cruising speed, 280 knots/ max 320 knots; service ceiling, 33,000 feet; range, up to 4,300 nautical miles; (HC-130J) cruising speed, 280 knots/max 362 knots; service ceiling, 39,000 feet; range, up to 5,200 nautical miles • Weight: Maximum gross weight at takeoff,
U.S. COAST GUARD PHOTO BY PETTY OFFICER 3RD CLASS ANN MARIE GORDEN
MH-60T Jayhawk
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