Article Posted on : - Sep 30, 2011

The first two MC-130Js for US Air Force Special Operations Command. Photo: Lockheed Martin.

MARIETTA, GEORGIA (BNS): Lockheed Martin has delivered the first of the 20 MC-130J Combat Shadow II to the United States Air Force's Special Operations Command (AFSOC).

The company also delivered HC-130J Combat King II to the USAF's Air Education and Training Command (AETC). This aircraft is one of 11 HC-130Js that have been ordered to date.

Both the aircraft are based on the KC-130J tanker baseline. The Kirtland Air Force Base will be the main training base for both the new HC-130J and the MC 130J Combat Shadow IIs.

The aircraft has the Enhanced Service Life Wing, Enhanced Cargo Handling System, a Universal Aerial Refueling Receptacle Slipway Installation (boom refueling receptacle), an electro-optical/infrared sensor, a combat systems operator station on the flight deck, and dual Satcom. In-line production of this configuration reduces cost and risk, and meets the required 2012 initial operational capability, Lockheed said.