Aircraft & UAVs

MC-130J Commando II

Also known as

MC-130J
Commando II
MC-130J Commando II

The MC-130J Commando II is Lockheed Martin's U.S. special-operations transport and tanker for low-level infiltration, exfiltration, resupply, and air-refueling missions. Air Force sources say it entered service in 2011, uses four Rolls-Royce AE 2100D3 turboprops and six-bladed composite propellers, and is the first aircraft documented to drop the GBU-43/B MOAB.

MC-130J Commando II, Special operations transport aircraft, Aircraft & UAVs

Image source: 522d Special Operations Squadron - MC-130J Commando II.jpg

Profile / Specs

Profile

Origin: United States
Built by: Lockheed Martin
Type: Special operations transport aircraft
Service note: 2011-2024 production; in service
Unit cost: $114.2M (FY22)
Produced: 2011-2024

aircraft special operations transport airlift

Specifications

Primary function: Infiltration, exfiltration, resupply, and air refueling for special operations forces
Power plant: Four Rolls-Royce AE 2100D3 turboprops
Crew: 2 pilots, 1 combat systems officer, and 2 special mission aviators
Speed: Around 300 knots
Range: About 3,000 miles
Dimensions: Length 97 feet 9 inches (29.3 meters); wingspan 132 feet 7 inches (39.7 meters); height 38 feet 10 inches (11.8 meters)

Airdropped Munitions

Air Force and DVIDS coverage ties the MC-130J Commando II to GBU-43/B MOAB airdrop training and test drops.

Launched item

Item type

Launch evidence

GBU-43/B MOAB, GPS/INS-guided massive ordnance air blast bomb, Munitions

Massive ordnance air blast bomb

DVIDS coverage says the MC-130J Commando II is the first aircraft to ever drop the GBU-43/B MOAB, and the MC-130J training manual includes GBU-43 airdrop procedures.

Sources: Behind the Boom, AFMAN 11-2MC-130J, Vol 1

Service And Conflict Use

Service History

In service: Entered Air Force Special Operations Command service in 2011 and reached the final AFSOC acceptance milestone in December 2024.
Used by: United States Air Force Special Operations Command

Media

MC-130J Commando II Images

MC-130J Commando II, Special operations transport aircraft, Aircraft & UAVs - view 1 — Source: Lockheed Martin MC-130J Commando II (34814595634).jpg

MC-130J Commando II, Special operations transport aircraft, Aircraft & UAVs - view 2 — Source: Lockheed Martin MC-130J Commando II (34846612943).jpg

MC-130J Commando II, Special operations transport aircraft, Aircraft & UAVs - view 3 — Source: MC-130J Commando II - RIAT 2016 (30359171162).jpg

Related Weapon Systems

C-130 Hercules, Tactical airlift transport aircraft, Aircraft & UAVs

Aircraft & UAVsC-130 HerculesTactical airlift transport aircraftThe Lockheed C-130 Hercules is a U.S. tactical airlift family built by Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company for rough-strip operations, oversized cargo, and airdrop missions. The Air Force says the aircraft can carry utility helicopters and six-wheeled armored vehicles, airdrop loads up to 42,000 pounds, and remains in production in C-130J form.

AC-130 gunship, Heavily armed fixed-wing gunship, Aircraft & UAVs

Aircraft & UAVsAC-130 gunshipHeavily armed fixed-wing gunshipThe AC-130 gunship is a side-firing, highly modified C-130 transport adapted into a persistent direct-fire aircraft for close air support, air interdiction, and armed reconnaissance. Modern AC-130U, AC-130W, and AC-130J variants combine cannon armament, electro-optical and infrared sensors, and standoff precision munitions for special operations overwatch and precision strike missions.

CH-47 Chinook helicopter, Heavy-lift transport helicopter, Aircraft & UAVs

Aircraft & UAVsCH-47 Chinook helicopterHeavy-lift transport helicopterThe Boeing CH-47 Chinook is a U.S. tandem-rotor heavy-lift transport helicopter family used for cargo, troop movement, casualty evacuation, and special operations. Its rear ramp, external sling-load capability, and long-running Army service made it one of the most recognizable utility rotorcraft in U.S. and allied inventories.

EC-130J Commando Solo, Airborne information operations and psychological operations aircraft, Aircraft & UAVs

Aircraft & UAVsEC-130J Commando SoloAirborne information operations and psychological operations aircraftThe EC-130J Commando Solo is a Lockheed Martin C-130J-derived U.S. Air Force special-mission aircraft that broadcasts information operations and psychological operations messages across AM, FM, HF, TV, and military communications bands. The 193rd Special Operations Wing operates the aircraft, which adds enhanced navigation, self-protection, air refueling, digital message playback, and live-broadcast capability to the Hercules airframe.

Harbin Y-12 transport aircraft, Twin-engine turboprop utility transport aircraft, Aircraft & UAVs

Aircraft & UAVsHarbin Y-12 transport aircraftTwin-engine turboprop utility transport aircraftThe Harbin Y-12 is a Chinese twin-engine turboprop utility transport family that first flew in 1982, won FAA certification for the Y-12 IV in 1995, and later served as a transport, surveillance, and strike-support aircraft in Myanmar.

HC-130J Coast Guard, Long-range surveillance, search and rescue, and maritime patrol aircraft, Aircraft & UAVs

Aircraft & UAVsHC-130J Coast GuardLong-range surveillance, search and rescue, and maritime patrol aircraftThe HC-130J Coast Guard is the U.S. Coast Guard's long-range surveillance and search-and-rescue C-130J variant, built by Lockheed Martin. It pairs the Super Hercules airframe with the Minotaur mission system, maritime radar, EO/IR sensors, and Coast Guard command-and-control communications for remote patrol and rescue work.

Sources

MC-130J Commando II (AFSOC)Publisher: U.S. Air Force | Note: Supports MC-130J background, special-operations transport and tanker role, crew, range, dimensions, power plant, speed, unit cost, service history, and the final aircraft acceptance context. | Accessed: 2026-06-27 MC-130J Commando II | Lockheed MartinPublisher: Lockheed Martin | Note: Supports manufacturer context and the MC-130J's special-mission transport and aerial-refueling role. | Accessed: 2026-06-27 AFSOC accepts final MC-130JPublisher: U.S. Air Force | Note: Supports the December 2024 final-acceptance milestone for the MC-130J fleet. | Accessed: 2026-06-27 Behind the BoomPublisher: Defense Visual Information Distribution Service | Note: Supports the MC-130J Commando II relationship to the GBU-43/B MOAB as the first aircraft to ever drop it. | Accessed: 2026-06-27 AFMAN 11-2MC-130J, Vol 1Publisher: U.S. Air Force | Note: Supports MC-130J GBU-43 airdrop procedures and training context. | Accessed: 2026-06-27 522d Special Operations Squadron - MC-130J Commando II.jpgPublisher: Wikimedia Commons | Note: Supports image provenance and licensing context for the primary MC-130J image. | Accessed: 2026-06-27 Lockheed Martin MC-130J Commando II (34814595634).jpgPublisher: Wikimedia Commons | Note: Supports image provenance and licensing context for the gallery image showing the MC-130J in flight. | Accessed: 2026-06-27 Lockheed Martin MC-130J Commando II (34846612943).jpgPublisher: Wikimedia Commons | Note: Supports image provenance and licensing context for the gallery image of the MC-130J on the ground. | Accessed: 2026-06-27 MC-130J Commando II - RIAT 2016 (30359171162).jpgPublisher: Wikimedia Commons | Note: Supports image provenance and licensing context for the gallery image of the MC-130J during operations. | Accessed: 2026-06-27