Fact Sheet: The C-130J-30 Super Hercules

The C-130J-30 Super Hercules, manufactured by Lockheed Martin, is the stretch version of the world’s most advanced tactical airlifter. By adding 15 feet to the fuselage, the C-130J-30 increases usable space in the cargo compartment, maximizing payload capacity while maintaining the proven reliability, versatility, and rugged performance of the Super Hercules family.

Program at a Glance

The Super Hercules program is a benchmark in aviation, offering a modern, highly interoperable platform.

  • Global Fleet: Over 560 C-130J aircraft have been delivered worldwide .
  • Proven Experience: The global C-130J fleet has surpassed 3 million total flight hours .
  • Worldwide Trust: Operated by 25 nations across the globe, providing vital interoperability among allied forces .
  • Unmatched Versatility: Certified to execute 20 different mission types across military, government, and humanitarian domains .

The "Stretch" Advantage

The C-130J-30 is engineered to provide maximum tactical airlift capability. Its primary advantage is its increased volume, allowing it to perform heavy-lift and high-capacity missions more efficiently.

  • Expanded Capacity: The 15-foot fuselage extension allows the aircraft to carry two additional pallets of equipment compared to the standard model . In total, it can accommodate up to 8 cargo pallets, 128 combat troops, 92 paratroopers, or 97 medical litters .
  • Enhanced Cargo Handling: Features an Enhanced Cargo Handling System (ECHS) that increases safety, improves precision for airdrops, and reduces the time required to reconfigure the cargo bay in the field .
  • Superior Performance: Maintains exceptional short-field takeoff and landing capabilities (landing distance of 3,000 ft at 135,000 lb), allowing it to operate from austere, unpaved runways .
  • Increased Efficiency: Equipped with modern digital avionics and four Rolls-Royce AE 2100D3 turboprop engines with six-bladed all-composite propellers, delivering greater power and fuel efficiency over legacy C-130 models .

 

 

Feature / Specification

C-130J-30 (Stretched)

Standard C-130J (Regular)

The "Stretch" Advantage

 Length

112 ft 9 in (34.37 m)

97 ft 9 in (29.79 m)

+15 ft (4.58 m) longer fuselage

 Wingspan

132 ft 7 in (40.41 m)

132 ft 7 in (40.41 m)

Identical wingspan

 Max Take-off Weight

164,000 lb (74,389 kg)

164,000 lb (74,389 kg)

Identical structural MTOW limit

 Max Payload

46,700 lb (21,183 kg)

47,000 lb (21,319 kg)

Standard model has slightly higher weight capacity due to lower empty aircraft weight

Range (with 40,000 lb payload)

2,160 nm (4,000 km)

1,980 nm (3,667 km)

+180 nm longer range with equal payload due to aerodynamics/fuel curves

 Paratrooper Capacity

92 paratroopers

64 paratroopers

+28 combat-ready paratroopers

Combat Troop Capacity

128 troops

92 troops

+36 personnel transported

Aeromedical Evac (Litters)

97 litters

74 litters

+23 injured personnel capacity

 Cargo Pallet Capacity

8 pallets (463L)

6 pallets (463L)

+2 additional standard pallets