HC-130 combat rescue aircraft

The HC-130 is an extended-range, combat rescue aircraft based on a version of the C-130 Hercules (see separate record for description of basic airframe and capabilities). The HC-130 can deploy independently in low-threat environments with a primary mission to provide air refueling for rescue helicopters.

The HC-130 can also be used to perform extended searches for downed aircraft and their crews or for airdropping pararescue specialists and their survival equipment. This is...