The Combat Shadow II is lighter and more powerful than earlier C-130s. It has five turboprops and, at 41,276kg, is the lightest MC-130 ever produced. As a result, the plane has 25 per cent more takeoff power and 20 per cent more cruise power than previous models. It’s a monster plane, but it’ll run lean and mean.
The first MC-130J Combat Shadow II rolled off the Lockheed Martin production line and landed at Cannon Air Force Base in New Mexico, US this week. It’s the first of 20 planes on order for the US Air Force Special Ops and the first of 10 expected to arrive at Cannon Air Force Base this year.
Jason
Saturday, October 1, 2011 at 9:57 AM5 turbo props??? sure that isn’t meant to be 4
Ash
Saturday, October 1, 2011 at 2:09 PMi think they mean “five-bladed” turboprops… not 5… that would look very wierd and make it a spot of bother to fly in a straight line
Shelby
Sunday, October 2, 2011 at 4:24 AMThey’re 6-bladed props. That 5 is just random.
MDG
Saturday, October 1, 2011 at 4:48 PMWell they could mount a prop over the fuse… midships, though 6 would make it better to fly (straight)
Dave
Sunday, October 2, 2011 at 3:02 AM6 blades, 4 engines = C-130J
Stan
Sunday, October 2, 2011 at 12:59 PMI dont know..if it has 5 engines then wouldn’t it be easier for the circling fire pattern they use?