Combatir en la sombra.-

The Combat Shadow II flies clandestine, or low visibility, single or multi-ship low-level air refueling missions for special operations helicopters and tilt-rotor aircraft, and infiltration, exfiltration, and resupply of special operations forces (SOF) by airdrop or airland intruding politically sensitive or hostile territories. The MC-130J primarily flies missions at night to reduce probability of visual acquisition and intercept by airborne threats. Its secondary mission includes the airdrop of leaflets.

The MC-130J includes: advanced two-pilot flight station with fully integrated digital avionics; fully populated Combat Systems Operator (CSO) and auxiliary flight deck stations; -13 color multifunctional liquid crystal displays; head-up displays; fully integrated navigation systems with dual inertial navigation system and global positioning system; integrated defensive systems; low-power color radar; digital moving map display; new turboprop engines with six-bladed, all-composite propellers; digital auto pilot; improved fuel, environmental and ice-protection systems; enhanced cargo-handling system; Universal Air Refueling Receptacle Slipway Installation (UARRSI), air refueling pods, Electro Optical/Infrared (EO/IR) System; dual SATCOM for voice/data; 60/90 KVA generators; increased DC electrical output, loadmaster/scanner restraint system; and LAIRCM provisions.

The MC-130J is replacing the aging SOF fleet of 37 MC-130E and P tankers. The first aircraft delivery is scheduled for Sep 2011 with final delivery expected in fiscal year 2017. The second MC-130J Combat Shadow II was delivered to Kirtland Air Force Base, N.M., on March 13, the 2,406th Hercules delivered to date.

General Characteristics.-
 Primary Function: Air refueling of SOF helicopter/tilt rotor aircraft, infiltration, exfiltration, and resupply of SOF by airdrop or airland
 Builder: Lockheed Martin
 Power Plant: 4 Rolls-Royce AE 2100D3 Turboprops:
Thrust: 4,591 shaft horsepower
 Wingspan: 132 feet, 7 inches (39.7 meters)
Length: 97 feet, 9 inches (29.3 meters)
Height: 38 feet, 10 inches (11.9 meters)
Speed: 362 KTAS at 22,000 feet
 Ceiling: 28,000 feet with 42,000 pound payload
 Maximum Takeoff Weight: 164,000 pounds
 Range: 3,000 miles unrefueled
 Crew: Two pilots, one combat systems officer (officers), and two loadmasters (enlisted)
 Date Deployed: 2011 (First AFSOC aircraft Sep 2011)
 Unit Cost: $67M (FY10 dollars)
 Inventory: Active force, 37 by FY17