US Coast Guard Receives 18th C-130J Super Hercules Aircraft

On January 30, 2025, the US Coast Guard accepted its 18th C-130J Super Hercules long-range surveillance (LRS) aircraft from Lockheed Martin Aeronautics, marking a significant step in enhancing the Coast Guard’s operational capabilities.

The aircraft, delivered two months ahead of schedule and within cost parameters, will undergo a series of modifications and upgrades to become a fully missionized HC-130J, scheduled to be operational by mid-2026.

This new addition will bolster the Coast Guard’s fleet of long-range surveillance aircraft, which plays a critical role in performing a variety of missions, from search and rescue to border enforcement.

Details of the Delivery

The delivery of this 18th C-130J Super Hercules aircraft marks a significant milestone for the US Coast Guard.

The aircraft was delivered in its baseline configuration, without the specialized mission equipment needed for its operational duties. It was shipped from Lockheed Martin’s facility in Marietta, Georgia, to the next phase of its missionization process.

The aircraft will undergo a year-long modification process at L3Harris Integrated Mission Systems in Waco, Texas, beginning in March 2025.

As part of the modification effort, the C-130J will be fitted with the Minotaur Mission System Suite, which includes an APY-11 multimode radar.

Additionally, the aircraft will undergo the Block Upgrade 8.1 to enhance its mission capabilities.

Once these upgrades are completed, the aircraft will officially join the US Coast Guard’s fleet as HC-130J, CGNR 2018, in mid-2026.

Technical Specifications of the C-130J Super Hercules

The C-130J Super Hercules is a versatile, multi-role aircraft designed for both military and civilian applications. The aircraft has the following technical specifications:

• Length: 97 feet, 9 inches (29.8 meters)
• Wingspan: 133 feet, 4 inches (40.7 meters)
• Height: 38 feet, 10 inches (11.8 meters)
• Cargo Capacity: 35,000 pounds (15,876 kilograms)
• Fuel Load: Up to 9,000 gallons (34,069 liters)
• Engines: Four Rolls-Royce turboprop engines, each with approximately 4,637 horsepower
• Top Speed: 320 knots (368 mph or 593 km/h)
• Range: 4,000 miles (6,437 km)
• Service Ceiling: 33,000 feet (10,058 meters)
• Crew: Typically requires a crew of 5-6 personnel, including pilots and mission operators

These specifications enable the C-130J Super Hercules to perform a wide range of missions, including long-range surveillance, heavy airlift, search and rescue, and disaster relief operations.

The aircraft’s ability to operate from short and austere airfields makes it especially valuable for emergency and humanitarian missions.

Role of the C-130J Super Hercules in the US Coast Guard

The C-130J Super Hercules is an essential asset for the US Coast Guard, playing a vital role in various missions. Its primary purpose within the Coast Guard is long-range surveillance, where it assists in monitoring vast maritime areas, detecting potential threats, and providing support for law enforcement activities.

However, the aircraft also performs a variety of other missions that are critical to the Coast Guard’s operations, including:

• Search and Rescue: The aircraft is equipped with advanced radar and sensor systems, enabling it to locate and assist vessels and personnel in distress, even in challenging weather conditions.
• Drug and Alien Interdiction: The C-130J plays a crucial role in the interdiction of illegal drugs and human trafficking by providing surveillance and support for law enforcement operations along US borders and in international waters.
• Cargo and Personnel Transport: The aircraft’s large cargo capacity makes it ideal for transporting heavy equipment, supplies, and personnel to areas in need, particularly during disaster response operations.
• Maritime Stewardship: The C-130J is also used for monitoring fishing activities within US Exclusive Economic Zones to enforce regulations and prevent illegal fishing.
• Heavy-Lift Operations: As the only multi-mission, heavy-lift asset within the Department of Homeland Security, the aircraft is called upon during surge events such as hurricane or typhoon response and the delivery of humanitarian aid.
• Command and Control Platform: The aircraft can function as a command and control center, where crews can detect, identify, and classify targets, while also sharing crucial information with operational forces in real-time.

Conclusion

The delivery of the 18th C-130J Super Hercules aircraft to the US Coast Guard is an important step in enhancing the service’s operational capabilities. With its versatile design, advanced technology, and multi-mission functionality, the aircraft will play an integral role in supporting the Coast Guard’s broad range of duties, including surveillance, search and rescue, law enforcement, and disaster relief operations.

Upon completion of its missionization process and full operational status in 2026, the C-130J will further strengthen the Coast Guard’s ability to safeguard US borders and maritime approaches, support DHS partners, and respond to national emergencies.