What is C-130J Super Hercules?

Aug. 6, 2024

A Bangladesh-registered C-130J Hercules jet became the most tracked flight on Flightradar24.com amid reports of Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina quitting and leaving her country.

About C-130J Super Hercules:

  • It is a four-engine turboprop military transport aircraft.
  • It is the US Air Force’s principal tactical cargo and personnel transport aircraft.
  • It was developed by Lockheed Martin, a US security and aerospace company.
  • The C-130J is the newest generation of the C-130 Hercules, which primarily performs the tactical portion of the airlift mission. 
  • The aircraft is capable of operating from rough, dirt strips and is the prime transport for airdropping troops and equipment into hostile areas
  • The largest operators are the US Air Force,US Marine Corps, Australia, Canada, India, Italy and the United Kingdom.
  • Features:
    • It has reduced crew requirements. A minimal crew of three men is required to operate this aircraft, including two pilots and one loadmaster.
    • It has a payload capacity of 19 tons.
    • It is powered by four Rolls-Royce AE 2100D3 turboprop engines.
    • It has digital avionics, including a Head-Up Display (HUD) for each pilot. 
    • Range: 6,852 km (no payload)
    • Speed: 644 km/hr
    • Endurance: 20+ hours
    • It is capable of short take-offs and landings from unprepared runways.