Military · Lockheed Martin
Lockheed Martin C-130J Super Hercules C30J
The Lockheed Martin C-130J Super Hercules is the modern version of the C-130 tactical airlifter, with new engines, six-blade propellers and a digital cockpit. It carries cargo and troops into short and rough airstrips.
C-130Js airborne over the US now
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C-130Js in the air over the last 24 hours
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Specifications
- ICAO code
- C30J
- First flight
- 1996
- Typical cruise
- 320 kt / 368 mph
- Service ceiling
- 28,000 ft
- Range
- 1,800 nm / 2,071 mi
- Capacity
- Crew of 3; up to about 42,000 lb of cargo or 92 troops
- Length
- 29.8 m / 98 ft
- Wingspan
- 40.4 m / 133 ft
Engines: 4 x Rolls-Royce AE 2100D3 turboprops with six-blade propellers. Family: C-130 Hercules. Figures are typical published values, rounded; real performance depends on variant, weight and conditions.
What it does in US skies
C-130Js fly tactical airlift, aerial refueling for the Marines, Coast Guard search and rescue and hurricane reconnaissance with the Air Force Reserve Hurricane Hunters. They often fly training routes at low altitude.
Main US operators: US Air Force, Air National Guard, US Marine Corps (KC-130J), US Coast Guard (HC-130J).
How to recognize a C-130J
- Four turboprops with distinctive curved six-blade propellers
- High wing and tall tail on a rounded fuselage
- Upswept rear fuselage with a cargo ramp
- Older C-130s have four-blade propellers
How it looks on a flight tracker
Usually cruises at FL200 to FL280 at 270 to 320 knots, but training flights can be much lower. Callsigns vary; Coast Guard aircraft may use CG prefixes, and many flights appear with limited details.
History
The C-130J first flew in April 1996 and entered service in 1999. The stretched C-130J-30 adds 4.6 meters of length, and the type remains in production.
Where C-130Js are right now
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What is the ICAO code for the Lockheed Martin C-130J Super Hercules?
The ICAO aircraft type designator for the Lockheed Martin C-130J Super Hercules is C30J. Flight trackers and flight plans use this four-character code.
How fast does the C-130J fly?
The Lockheed Martin C-130J Super Hercules typically cruises at about 320 knots true airspeed (about 368 mph). Ground speed on a tracker varies with the wind.
How high can the C-130J fly?
Its service ceiling is about 28,000 ft.