MC-130J Commando II Mission The Commando II flies clandestine, or low visibility, single or multiship, low-level infiltration, exfiltration and resupply of special operations forces, by airdrop or airland and air refueling missions for special operations helicopters and tiltrotor aircraft, 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. Features The MC-130J is air refuellable and features an advanced flight station, fully integrated digital avionics and navigation, auxiliary flight deck stations, and turboprop engines with six-bladed, all-composite propellers. The MC-130J is equipped with a variety of systems that allow it to operate in various austere conditions. Background The MC-130J is replaced the SOF fleet of MC-130E, H and P aircraft. The first MC-130J aircraft was delivered in September 2011 to Cannon Air Force Base, New Mexico, with final delivery expected in fiscal year 2025. 201027-F-UQ958-1033 An MC-130J Commando II assigned to the 9th Special Operations Squadron taxis during Agile Flag 21-1 at Hurlburt Field, Florida, Oct. 27, 2020. The Commando II flies clandestine, or low visibility, single or multiship, low-level air refueling missions for special operations helicopters and tiltrotor aircraft, and infiltration, exfiltration, and resupply of special operations forces by airdrop or airland intruding politically sensitive or hostile territories. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Joseph Pick) Photo Details / Download Hi-Res 150126-F-LH638-963 The MC-130J Commando II leads the heritage formation of three MC-130 variants off the coast of Okinawa, Japan, Jan 26, 2015. The 353rd Special Operations Group performed the unique formation to commemorate the arrival of the MC-130J Commando II, the retirement of the MC-130P Combat Shadow and the continuing mission of the MC-130H Combat Talon II. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Maeson Elleman) Photo Details / Download Hi-Res 120104-F-RT856-271 A 52nd Special Operations Squadron MC-130J Commando II aircraft, flies over the skies of New Mexico, Jan. 4, 2012. The 522nd SOS is stationed at Cannon Air Force Base, N.M., and the MC-130J provides in-flight refueling, infiltration/exfiltration and aerial delivery resupply of special operations forces. Photo Details / Download Hi-Res General Characteristics Primary Function: Infiltration, exfiltration and resupply of special operations forces by airdrop or airland, air refueling of SOF helicopter/tilt rotor aircraft. Builder: Lockheed Martin Power Plant: Four 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) Maximum Takeoff Weight: 164,000 lbs Range: 3,000 miles Crew: 2 Pilots, 1 Combat Systems Officer, and 2 Special Mission Aviators Date Deployed: 2011 Unit Cost: $114.2M (FY22) Inventory: Active duty, 57 by fiscal 2025 (Current as of January 2025)