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MILNET Brief
  Special Operation Aircraft

"Deploy specialized airpower, delivering special operations combat power anywhere, anytime and Provide Air Force special operations forces for worldwide deployment and assignment to regional unified commands to conduct unconventional warfare, direct action, special reconnaissance, counterterrorism, foreign internal defense, counter-proliferation, civil affairs, humanitarian assistance, psychological operations, personnel recovery, and counter-narcotics operations."
- The Air Force Special Operations Mission, Air Force Magazine, May 1997 1

The aircraft used in special operations cross the entire spectrum of U.S. military aircraft from the non-glamorous cargo carrier to the more exotic low altitude, night flying clandestine delivery or attack aircraft.  This briefing looks at the more interesting birds, remarkably, some of them derived from those very same troop and cargo carrier aircraft.  Covered in this briefing are:
We should note that the cargo carriers are in of themselves very valuable, as are other support aircraft assigned to provide long range transport for special forces ... aircraft such as the C-17 or C-5.  Without them, the global reach of U.S. Special Forces would not only be non-global, but slow to react as well. 


AC-130H/U Spectre Gunships


AC-130U Gunship

The AC-130 was first used in the Vietnam War, streaming high rate of fire artillery rounds into forces on the ground. During night operations, the aircraft was dubbed "Spooky" or "Puff the Magic Dragon" or "Puff" for short.  This is due to the tracer rounds that make the aircraft appear as if it is breathing fire down onto the enemy. It is one of the most effective and potent direct ground fire capable aircraft in the world.

The modern version adds fire control and day/night operational capability using modern computer technology as well as being installed in the newer C-130H airframe from Lockheed.  There are two derivations of the AC-130, the H and U.  The H flies with one 40 mm cannon and a 105mm Cannon, while the U model adds a 25mm chain gun.  Both aircraft are capable of being refueled in the air and some 8 H and 13 U models are in the official U.S. inventory.

The AC-130 gunship was used in both Iraqi conflicts and more recently was used against the Islamic Court radicals in Somalia.

Specifications:
Primary Function: Close air support, air interdiction and force protection
Builder: Lockheed/Boeing Corp.
Power Plant: Four Allison T56-A-15 turboprop engines
Power: 4,910 shaft horsepower each engine
Length: 97 feet, 9 inches (29.8 meters)
Height: 38 feet, 6 inches (11.7 meters)
Wingspan: 132 feet, 7 inches (40.4 meters)
Speed: 300 mph (Mach .4) (at sea level)
Range: Approximately 1,300 nautical miles; unlimited with air refueling.
Ceiling: 25,000 feet (7,576 meters
Maximum Takeoff Weight: 155,000 pounds (69,750 kilograms)
Armament: AC-130H/U: 40mm cannon and 105mm cannon; AC-130U: 25mm gun
Crew: AC-130U - Five officers (pilot, co-pilot, navigator, fire control officer, electronic warfare officer) and eight enlisted (flight engineer, TV operator, infrared detection set operator, loadmaster, four aerial gunners)
Deployment Date: AC-130H, 1972; AC-130U, 1995
Unit Cost: AC-130H, $132.4 million; AC-130U, $190 million (fiscal 2001 constant dollars)
Inventory: Active duty: AC-130H, 8; AC-130U, 13; Reserve, 0; ANG, 0


EC-130E Airborne Battlefield Command and Control Center (ABCCC)

USAF EC-130E ABCCC (Special Operations.com)

Built to specificaitions required in the airborne tactical control of the battlefield, providing comms to headquarters or national command authorities, as well looking down on the battlefield communicating with tactical operators in the field.   It fields "computer generated color displays, digitally controlled communications, and rapid data retrieval. The platform's 23 fully securable radios, secure teletype, and 15 automatic fully computerized consoles, allow the battlestaff to analyze current combat situations and direct offensive air support." 16

Specifications:
Primary Function: Airborne Command and Control
Builder: Lockheed/Boeing Corp.
Power Plant: Four Allison T56-A-15 turboprop engines
Power: 4,910 shaft horsepower each engine
Length: 97 feet, 9 inches (29.8 meters)
Height: 38 feet, 6 inches (11.7 meters)
Wingspan: 132 feet, 7 inches (40.4 meters)
Speed: 300 mph (Mach .4) (at sea level)
Range: Approximately 1,300 nautical miles; unlimited with air refueling.
Ceiling: 25,000 feet (7,576 meters
Maximum Takeoff Weight: 155,000 pounds (69,750 kilograms)
Armament: AC-130H/U: 40mm cannon and 105mm cannon; AC-130U: 25mm gun
Crew: - Five officers (pilot, co-pilot, navigator,mission officer, electronic warfare officer) and eight enlisted (flight engineer, TV operator, infrared detection set operator, loadmaster, four aerial gunners)
Deployment Date: AC-130H, 1972; AC-130U, 1995
Unit Cost: AC-130H, $132.4 million; AC-130U, $190 million (fiscal 2001 constant dollars)
Inventory: Active duty: AC-130H, 8; AC-130U, 13; Reserve, 0; ANG, 0

EC-130H Compass Call

EC-130H Compass Call

The EC-130H is an electronic Warfare aircraft, designed to disrupt enemy communications using a large suite of sophisticated high power electronics.  The aircraft performs jamming ostensibly against voice or digital radio or television communications as well as possesses the capability to disrupt radar in a local area.  The crew also includes linguists and the equipment necessary to conduct electronic intercept operations.

Specifications:
Primary Function: Electronic warfare, suppression of enemy air defenses and offensive counter information
Prime Contractors:  BAE Systems (prime mission equipment), and L3 Communications (aircraft integration and depot maintenance).
Power Plant: Four Allison T56-A-15 turboprops
Power: 4,591 prop shaft horsepower
Length: 97 feet, 9 inches (29.3 meters)
Height: 38 feet, 3 inches (11.4 meters)
Wingspan: 132 feet, 7 inches (39.7 meters)
Speed: 300 mph (Mach 0.52) at 20,000 feet (6,060 meters)
Maximum Takeoff Weight: 155,000 pounds (69,750 kilograms)
Mission Flight Crew: Thirteen (two pilots, navigator, flight engineer, electronic warfare officer, mission crew supervisor, four crypto logic linguists, high band operator, acquisition operator and an airborne maintenance technician.)
Unit Cost: $65 million
Date Deployed: April 1982
Inventory: Active force: 14; ANG: 0; Reserve: 0


EC-130J Commander Solo PSYOPS

EC-130J Commander Solo

The EC-130J transmits propaganda and/or warning information to opponents citizenry on the ground.  It utilizes transmitters on radio and television broadcast frequencies and focuses on both military and civilian personnel.  The aircraft utilizes up-to-date navigation and built on the latest C-130H airframe from Lockheed.  The mission and indeed early equipment installed were from the EC-121 Coronet Solo and  Volant Solo aircraft.  Today's equipment is modernized and purpose-built for the EC-130J and its very similar mission.

EC-130s have been deployed into Grenada (Operation Urgent) in 1983, Operation Just Cause over  Panama in 1989, Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm over Iraq in 1990-1991, overhead in Haiti in 1994 (Operation Uphold Democracy), overhead in Iraq again after the first Iraq war while Coalition forces monitored the skys in Operations Northern and Southern Watch (the specific mission the EC-130J aircraft participated in was called Operation Desert Thunder) overhead in the Bosnia (Operation Joint Guard, 1998) and Kosovo (Operation Allied Force in 1999 campaigns supporting U.S. and NATO missions, overhead during the operation to remove the Taliban from Afghanistan in 2001 (Operation Enduring Freedom) as well as in the Invasion of Iraq in 2006 (Operation Iraqi Freedom).

Another derivation of this aircraft is mentioned by Special Operations.com, the EC-130E "Senior Scout/Hunter".  According to their page: "Senior Scout is a modular capsulized radio signal monitoring sensor package that attaches antennaes to easily-removed panels such as landing gear doors and aft crew doors. Senior Scout collects SIGINT (signals intelligence), ELINT (Electronic Intelligence) and COMINT (Communications Intelligence) The entire system can be fitted to a standard C-130, but there are four airframes operated by the 193rd Special Operations Wing that serve as the primary aircraft for this system. Each system carries four to twelve operators to monitor the different frequencies."  The page also states that these are operated by the 193rd Special Operations Wing of the Pennsylvania Air National Guard.

Specifications:

Primary Function: Psychological and information operations
Builder: Lockheed Aircraft Co.
Power Plant:  AE2100D3 six-blade turboprops
Power:   6,000 shaft horsepower each engine
Length: 97.75 feet (29.7 meters)
Height:  38.8 feet (11.8 meters)
Wingspan: 132.6 feet (40.3 meters)
Cruise speed: 335 mph
Ceiling:  28,000 feet (8,534 meters)
Maximum Takeoff Weight: 155,000 pounds (69,750 kilograms)
Range: 2,300 nautical miles unrefueled
Crew:  pilot, copilot, flight systems officer, mission systems officer; loadmaster, five electronic communications systems operators
Date Deployed: 1986
Unit Flyaway Cost: approximately $90 million
Inventory: Active force, 0; Reserve, 0; ANG, 6


KC-130J Super Hercules Air-to-Air Refueling Aircraft

USAF HC-130P Shown

The KC-130 is used primarily by the USMC and USAF for refueling helicopters or other "customers" in theater.  The KC-130 deploys the basket style refueling rig, and the aircraft "sidles" up and inserts the probe.  There have been images of at least two aircraft being refueled by the KC-130, however we were unable to locate one for this briefing.

The Marine Corps flies some 75 KC-130 tanker aircraft (37 KC-130F, 14 KC-130R and 24 KC-130T). These airplanes will be replaced by the new KC-130J Super Hercules. The USMC has ordered 51 airplanes as of April 2005, 15 had been delivered.  The last ones are scheduled for delivery in 2013. Till that time the USMC will continue using the old KC-130 aircraft. Twelve aircraft  received new self-protection equipment: a APR-39(V)2 radar warning receiver, a AAR-47 missile warning system, a ALQ-157 jamming system and ALE-39 chaff/flares.  An avionics and the other upgrades will be added to the AC-130Ts.

The KC-130J adds a 6-blade Dowty Aerospace AE2100D3 composite propeller that adds some 29% more power for extended range and higher altitude -- The J model has enhanced the performance of the aircraft in terms of range, cruise ceiling time to climb, speed and airfield requirements. 

In April 2004, the US Marine Corps formally accepted the first KC-130J tanker / transport into service. The aircraft was first deployed in combat in April 2005 in Iraq. By the end of 2006, 24 aircraft had been delivered.

The aircraft can carry a maximum internal fuel load of 45,900lb. An additional 18,700lb of fuel can be carried in external underwing fuel tanks. The refuelling probe installed on the centre of the fuselage has been relocated on the C-130J to the port side, over the cockpit window. 

The cockpit itself is an all new glass cockpit with four Lockheed Martin L-3 display systems multifunction liquid crystal displays for flight control and navigation systems as well as the Northrop Grumman low-power color radar.  The KC-130J also features a full function Flight Dynamics heads-up display that supports night vision flying.  The dual mission computers, supplied by BAE Systems IEWS, operate and monitor the aircraft systems and advise the crew of status.

The KC-130J is equipped with a Honeywell dual embedded Global Positioning System / Inertial Navigation System (GPS/INS), an Enhanced Traffic alerting and Collision Avoidance System (E-TCAS), a ground collision avoidance system, SKE2000 station keeping system, and an Instrument Landing System (ILS). 

Specifications:
Primary functionIn-flight refueling; tactical transport
Manufacturer Lockheed
Power plant Four Allison T56-A-16 engines
Alternate: Four Allison AE2100D3 turboprop engines
Power 4,910 shaft horsepower per engine
Alternate: 4,591 shaft horsepower (3,425kW) per engine
Length Aircraft: 97 feet, 9 inches (22.16 meters)
Cargo compartment: 41 feet (12.49 meters)
Cargo compartment Width
 10 feet, 3 inches (3.12 meters)
Height Aircraft: 38 feet, 4 inches (11.68 meters)
Cargo compartment: 9 feet (2.74 meters)
Wing span 132 feet, 7 inches (40.39 meters)
Maximum takeoff weight 175,000 pounds (79,450 kilograms)
Ceiling 30,000 feet (9,140 meters)
Speed 315 knots (362.25 miles per hour)
Operating weight 83,300 pounds (37,818 kilograms)
Total fuel capacity KC-130T and KC-130: 13,280 gallons (50,331 liters) /
86,320 pounds (32,715 liters)
KC-130F: 10,183 gallons (38,594 liters) /  66,190 pounds (25,086 liters)
Fuel Load (refueling)
 Internal: 45,900 pounds; External (underwing): 18,700 pounds
Range Tanker mission: 1000 nautical mile (1150 mile) radius with 45,000 pounds of fuel (20,430 kilograms) (KC-130R/T); KC-130J has extended range.
Cargo mission: 2875 nautical miles (3306.25 miles) with 38,258 pounds (17,369 kilograms) of cargo (KC-130R/T) or 92 combat troops or 64 paratroopers or 74 litters
Landing distance Less than 2,600 feet
Crew 2 pilots, 1 navigator/systems operator, 1 flight engineer, 1 first mechanic, 1 loadmaster (total of 6)
Introduction date KC-130F: 1962
KC-130R: 1976
KC-130T: 1983
KC-130J: 2004
Unit Replacement Cost $37,000,000
Inventory Active: 37 KC-130Fs and 14 KC-130Rs (51 total), KC-130J: 15 (April 2005) with up to 72 total by 2013.
Reserve: 24 KC-130Ts



MC-130H Combat Talon I/II

MC-130H

The MC-130H Combat Talon is the Air Force's infiltration and support aircraft for special operations activities.  The aircraft features a sophisticated array of self protection including chaff, flares and electronic jamming equipment as well as terrain following avionics that allow it to stay low and under the radar as much as possible, bringing in special operations troops and supplies.  It can also fly at very high altitudes to allow HALO (High Altitude/Low Opening paratroops) operators to swoop in undetected.  The MC-130H is also capable of carrying fuel pods that can be used to perform air-to-air refueling of special operations helicopters or other C-130 based aircraft equipped with air-to-air refueling probes..

Specifications:

Primary Function: Infiltration, exfiltration and resupply of special operations forces
Builder: Lockheed
Power Plant: Four Allison T56-A-15 turboprop engines
Power: 4,910 shaft horsepower each engine
Length:
MC-130E: 100 feet, 10 inches (30.7 meters)
MC-130H: 99 feet, 9 inches (30.4 meters)
Height: 38 feet, 6 inches (11.7 meters)
Wingspan: 132 feet, 7 inches (40.4 meters)
Speed: 300 mph
Load:
MC-130E: 53 troops, 26 paratroopers
MC-130H: 77 troops, 52 paratroopers or 57 litter patients
Ceiling: 33,000 feet (10,000 meters)
Maximum Takeoff Weight:155,000 pounds (69,750 kilograms)
Range: 2,700 nautical miles (4,344 kilometers) Inflight refueling extends this to unlimited range
Crew:
MC-130E: Officers - two pilots, two navigators and an electronic warfare officer; enlisted - flight engineer, radio operator and two loadmasters
MC-130H: Officers - two pilots, a navigator and electronic warfare officer; enlisted - flight engineer and two loadmasters
Date Deployed: MC-130E, 1966; MC-130H, June 1991
Unit Cost: MC-130E, $75 million; MC-130H, $155 million (fiscal 2001 constant dollars)
Inventory: Active force, MC-130H, 24; Reserve, MC-130E, 14; ANG, 0


KC-130

MC-130P Combat Shadow

MC-130P Combat Shadow

The MC-130P Combat Shadow's primary mission is to penetrate enemy airspace undetected to provide air-to-air refueling. It's secondary missions may include dropping propaganda leaflets, airdrops of paratroopers or dropping supply bundles or special warfare rubber craft.  The aircraft has recent modifications in navigation giving it full GPS integration as well as is equipped with sophisticated self protection such as flares, and ECM jamming.  Pilots train very regularly using night vision goggles and heads-up display.  The aircraft also has sophisticated burst transmission satellite gear.

Specifications:

General Characteristics
Primary Function: Air refueling for special operation forces helicopters
Builder: Lockheed
Power Plant: Four Allison T56-A-15 turboprop engines
Power: 4,910 shaft horsepower each engine
Length: 98 feet, 9 inches (30.09 meters)
Height: 38 feet, 6 inches (11.7 meters)
Wingspan: 132 feet, 7 inches (40.4 meters)
Speed: 289 mph (at sea level)
Ceiling: 33,000 feet (10,000 meters)
Maximum Takeoff Weight: 155,000 pounds (69,750 kilograms)
Range: Beyond 4,000 miles
Crew: Officers - pilot, co-pilot, right navigator and left navigator; enlisted - flight engineer, communications systems operator and two loadmasters
Date Deployed: 1986
Unit Flyaway Cost: $75 million (fiscal 2001 dollars)
Inventory: Active force, 24; Reserve, 0; ANG, 4



MH-47D/E Chinook


Flying for the U.S. Army Special Forces, the Chinook is the long-range, heavy-lift helicopter flown by the 160th SOAR (Special Operations Aviation Regiment) and built by Boeing Aircraft.  The Chinook is a 3 blade, twin rotor aircraft with a long body separating the 60 foot diameter blades, providing a total disk area combined of 2,827.5 meters squared (m2).  There are additional aircraft and crew serving with the Oklahoma Army National Guard's 1/245th Aviation Special Operations.  The Chinook offers drive in capability for small vehicles, ready for pallet flooring as well as quickly converts to a troop carrier.  It flies high enough to avoid small arms fire and most anti-aircraft missiles en route to its delivery points.  The original 26 aircraft contract was completed in November of 1992, with first deliveries beginning September of 1993.  There are supposedly follow on F and G models also under contract.  According to Boeing, the E model aircraft provides (excerpted and paraphrased language) "fully integrated -- adverse weather -- digital cockpits, foward-looking infrared, terrain-following/terran avoidance radar, long-range fuel tanks, an aerial-refueling capability, low-level, high-speed flight for infiltration of special operations teams at night and in adverse weather."

The F model will provide "fully integratede digital Common Avionics Architecture System (CAAS) which permits global communications and navigation...includes forward looking infrared (FLIR) and multimode radar for nap-of-the-earth and low-level flight operations in poor visibility and adverse weather.  Boeing intimates the purchase of some 30 new F model Chinooks for the military (Army or Special Forces?) however we have not been able to confirm that.  Included is a second EGI (Embedded GPS system) for redundancy and reliability.  GlobalSecurity.com says that the Army will use the F model modernization program to sustain the Army "well into the 21st century."  11

The G model will provide "Improved avionics with integrated digital mission management, Aircraft Survivabilty Equipment, and Dual Embedded Global Positioning System, redundant navigaor for improved accuracy and reliability, capability of receiving and displaying Near Real Time Intelligence Data (NRTID) (here's a PDF of a Boeing Backgrounder).  Boeing says the plan is to deliver some 60+ aircraft by 2011 for "urgent Special Operations requirements.  According to the Boeing rep, the CAAS in the G model will ":integrate global communications, navigation, survivability and situational awareness capabilities."  GlobalSecuirty.com says that in July 2002 the Army announced their plans to expand special forces and would be adding some 12 MH-47, presumably the G model. 11

For history buffs:  There is a mention of 4 armed Chinook on GlobalSecurity.com designated the ACH-47A built in late 1965 however by February 1968, only 1 remained flying SN 64-13149 named Easy Money (being considered for restoration and display).  One of the lost aircraft was Guns-A-Go-Go, which sported upto five M2.50 cal or M60D 7.622mm machine guns (four in windows, one on ramp, two M24A1 20mm Cannon and tow M18/M18A1 pod-moutned 7.622 miniguns, or two XM159B/SM159C 19-tube 2.75 in. rocket launchers, and a chin-mounted 40mm automatic grenade launcher on the M5 sub-system.  The aircraft losses were due to accidents rather than lost to combat and the AH-1G Huey gunship made the aircraft obsolete.

Specifications:

General Characteristics (Data for E model)
Primary Function: Long-range, heavy lift troop and cargo aircraft
Builder: Boeing
Power Plant: Textron Lycoming T55-L-714 shafted turbine engine
Power: 4,867 shaft horsepower (each) and capable of 7,500 shp at the transmission output
Length: 52.08 feet (15.87 meters)
Height: 18.33 feet (5.59 meters)
Width: 15.75 feet (4.8 meters) (excludes rotor swath of 60 feet)
Speed: 140 mph (at sea level)
Ceiling: 10,150 feet (10,000 meters)
Range:  300 nm (555km)
Maximum Takeoff Weight: 54,000 lbs (24,494 kilograms)
Crew: 5 - Officers - pilot, co-pilot in cockpit;one enlisted crew chief and 2 side door gunners)
Cargo:  Seats for up to 44 troops or 12066 (various combinations of mix between crew, personnel and cargo).
Armament: Two side door 7.62mm machine guns and a ramp mounted (optional) 7.62mm machine gun, with provison for stinger missiles.
Date Deployed: 1993
Unit Flyaway Cost: $75 million (fiscal 2001 dollars)
Inventory: Active force: 160th SOAR: 2 trng, D: 8, E: 24;
1/245th Aviation Special Operations (Oklahoma Army National Guard): 24;



MH-53J Pave Low Helicopter

MH-53 Pave Low

The MH-53 Pave Low is a short range, low level penetration helicopter support aircraft used to ferry in aircraft ad supply where a large airstrip is not available. The aircraft features night vision capability as well as a full suite of sophisticated navigation equipment.  " The terrain-following and terrain-avoidance radar, forward-looking infrared sensor, inertial navigation system with global positioning system, along with a projected map display enable the crew to follow terrain contours and avoid obstacles, making low-level penetration possible. "  The aircraft also flies flare and chaff systems to defeat ground to air and AAM missile attacks.

Specifications:

Primary Function: Long-range infiltration, exfiltration and resupply of special operations forces in day, night or marginal weather conditions
Builder: Sikorsky
Power Plant: Two General Electric T64-GE/-100 engines
Thrust: 4,330 shaft horsepower per engine
Length: 88 feet (28 meters)
Height: 25 feet (7.6 meters)
Rotary Diameter: 72 feet (21.9 meters)
Speed: 165 mph (at sea level)
Ceiling: 16,000 feet (4,876 meters)
Maximum Takeoff Weight: 46,000 pounds (Emergency War Plan allows for 50,000 pounds)
Range: 600 nautical miles (unlimited with aerial refueling)
Armament: Combination of three 7.62 mini guns or three .50 caliber machine guns
Crew: Officers, two pilots; enlisted, two flight engineers and two aerial gunners
Date Deployed: 1981
Unit Flyaway Costs: $40 million (fiscal 2001 constant dollars)
Air Force Inventory: Active force, 13 MH-53J's, 25 MH-53M's; Reserve, 0; ANG, 0


MH-60G Pave Hawk Helicopter


MH-60G Pave Hawk

The primary SAR (Search and Rescue) helicopter used by Air Force Special Operations to go after downed or wounded soliders in heavy combat zones.  "The Pave Hawk is a highly modified version of the Army Black Hawk helicopter which features an upgraded communications and navigation suite that includes integrated inertial navigation/global positioning/Doppler navigation systems, satellite communications, secure voice, and Have Quick communications. "

"All HH-60Gs have an automatic flight control system, night vision goggles lighting and forward looking infrared system that greatly enhances night low-level operations. Additionally, Pave Hawks have color weather radar and an engine/rotor blade anti-ice system that gives the HH-60G an adverse weather capability."

The aircraft also has folding rotor blades to make it easier to transport quickly in a wide range of cargo aircraft.

Specifications:

Primary Function: combat search and rescue and military operations other than war in day, night or marginal weather conditions.
Builder: United Technologies/Sikorsky Aircraft Company
Power Plant: Two General Electric T700-GE-700 or T700-GE-701C engines
Thrust: 1,560-1,940 shaft horsepower, each engine 
Length: 64 feet, 8 inches (17.1 meters)
Height: 16 feet, 8 inches (4.4 meters)
Rotor Diameter: 53 feet, 7 inches (14.1 meters)
Speed: 184 mph (294.4 kph)
Maximum Takeoff Weight: 22,000 pounds (9,900 kilograms)
Range: 445 statute miles; 504 nautical miles (unlimited with air refueling)
Armament: Two 7.62mm machine guns 
Unit Cost: $9.3 million (fiscal 98 constant dollars)
Crew: Two pilots, one flight engineer and one gunner
Date Deployed: 1982
Inventory: Active force, 64; ANG, 18; Reserve, 23


UH-1N Huey Helicopter



UH-1N Huey Helicopter

The UH-1N is a venerable design going back into the Vietnam War.  It is an extremely capable troop transport and during the Vietnam war, a door mounted 50 caliber machine gun also aided when the chopper found itself near the ground in what suddenly had become a hot landing zone or LZ.  Today the light lift utility helicopter is used by special operations in a similar role, as well as updated for Search and Rescue missions.  The N model has modern avionics and is capable of night missions.  Its use outside the special forces mission is for troop or VIP transport, cable or perimeter inspections, and other utility missions primarily by U.S. Space Command.

Primary function: Light-lift utility
Contractor: Bell Helicopter Co.
Power Plant: Two Pratt and Whitney T400-CP-400 turboshaft engines
Maximum Gross Weight: 10,500 pounds (4,763 kilograms)
Range: 300-plus miles
Ceiling: 15,000 feet (4,572 meters); 10,000 feet (3,048 meters) for gross weights above 10,000 pounds (4,536 kilograms)
Maximum Speed: 149 mph (130 knots)
Cruise Speed: 103-115 mph (90-100 knots)
Length: 57 feet, 3 inches (17.44 meters)
Width: 9 feet, 5 inches (2.87 meters)
Height: 12 feet, 10 inches (3.9 meters)
Diameter of Main Rotor: 48 feet (14.63 meters)
Diameter of Tail Rotor: 8 feet, 6 inches (2.6 meters)
Crew: Pilot with co-pilot and flight engineer, depending upon mission
Date Deployed: 1970
Inventory: Active force, 62; Reserve, 0; ANG, 0

Future Special Forces Aircraft

There are several sources citing the search for a new special operations aircraft.  Indeed, according to the FAS, there are RDT&E funding for a long-range airlift requirement for special forces.  The new aircraft as described by FAS will: "provide exfiltration capability on missions exceeding the effective range of SOF vertical lift (including the CV-22 [MILNET: V-22 Osprey for the U.S. Marines]) and additionally serves as a replacement for MC-130 Combat Talon Fleet in long-range infiltration and resupply roles.  It builds upo fugure SOF aircraft studies [uncited and not referenced on the FAS page].  The system should be able to self-deply (2400nm), Combat Radius (1000nm), STOL w/max fuel and 4000 lbs on standard day @sea level (1500 ft over 50 ft obstacle), VTOL w/4000lbs @ mid-mission point (4000ft/86 degrees F), High speed, (240-400ktas) night adverse weather capable, low to moderate signature, have a system reliability of 92% with an 85% fix rate (4hrs), capable of performing clandestine missions, carrier operations, and with a survivable ground environment under hovering aircraft."

The FAS page then lists the "Fixed Wing Acquisition Programs Long Range Acquisition Plan" which unfortunately no longer exists. 13

GlobalSecurity.com says that the Air Force's AFSOC (Special Operations Command) is looking to replace the MC-130 and supplement the V-22 beyond 2010.  The project is called "MC-X Commando Spirit".  GlobalsSecurity goes on to claim the aircraft is a "stealth airlifter" that would be: "smaller than the C-130, include three pallet positions, stealth, high-subsonic speeds, improved maneuverability, short or vertical takeoff and landing, and the ability to fly long range missions".  The cited page appears to have the text of a requirements summary embedded. 12

Another aircraft being considered is a special version of the AC-130 and a perhaps a future replacment called the AC-X, Advanced Tactical Laser. Details are scarce, however mention of the special forces program interest (and implication for future funding) is found in a April 2002 National Defense article by Sandra Erwin. 17a  The article goes onto explain that the aircraft was to be ready as early as 2006.  It is not clear if the program has met that timetable, however, its progress may remain confidential.


Sources:
  1. Air Force Magazine, "Air Force Almanac", May, 1997, The Air Force Association, 1501 Lee Highway, Arlington, VA. 22209-1198, ISSN 073 0-6784.
  2. U.S. Air Force C-130 Fact Sheet, U.S. Air Force (also AC-130H/U, EC-130H, EC-130J, MC-130H, MC-130P)
  3. Air Force Fact Sheets, U.S. Air Force
  4. MH-53 Pave Low Fact Sheet, U.S. Air Force
  5. MH-60G Pave Hawk Fact Sheet, 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (SOAR) (Air Force Fact Sheet)
  6. UH-1N Huey Helicopter Fact Sheet, U.S. Air Force
  7. U.S. Army Fact Files, U.S. Army
  8. U.S. Air Force Special Operations School, U.S. Air Force
  9. Special Operations Weather, U.S. Air Force
  10. KC-130 Hercules, Worldwide Military.com
  11. MH-47G Special Operations Aircraft, GlobalSecurity.com
  12. MC-X Commando Spirit SOF Future Aircraft, GlobalSecurity.com
  13. SOF Future Aircraft, FAS, 11/18/1998
  14. EC-130 Variants, Special Operations.com
  15. EC-130E Senior Hunter, Special Operations.com, 2002
  16. EC-130E Airborne Battlefield Command and Control Center (ABCCC), Special Operations.com, 2002
  17. SOCOM Will Spend Bonus Dollars on Modernization, Sandar Erwin, National Defense.com, April 2002



© Copyright 2006, 2007, Michael G. Crawford for MILNET