U.S. Coast Guard receives its second HC-130J aircraft.

According to a PR published by the USGC on February 8, 2022, Coast Guard Air Station Barbers Point, Hawaii, received its second HC-130J long-range surveillance aircraft, CGNR 2014.
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HC-130J long-range surveillance aircraft (Picture source: U.S. Coast Guard)

The advanced capabilities of the HC-130J – especially the 40 percent increase in range over the HC-130H aircraft it is replacing – are critical in serving the vast area of the Pacific covered by the air station, including Hawaii, Guam and American Samoa.

The increase in range comes from the HC-130J’s more advanced engines and propellers, which also provide a 20 percent increase in speed and altitude over the legacy aircraft. Another notable difference is the liquid oxygen system, which allows crews to fly at higher altitudes, providing a better vantage point for many missions.

The HC-130J have a modernized glass cockpit, the capability to execute GPS approaches, and are outfitted with the Minotaur Mission System Suite, which provides increased capabilities for use of the sensors, radar, and intelligence-gathering equipment.

To put the increased capabilities into perspective: Air Station Barbers Point recently completed a maritime surveillance patrol in Oceania at the request of a partner nation concerned about illegal activity in its exclusive economic zone. With an HC-130J, the crew was able to make it to and from Guam in one leg each way, while the HC-130H range necessitates an overnight stop while en route to Guam.

Air Station Barbers Point is scheduled to receive two additional HC-130J Super Hercules to complete its transition, which is anticipated by the end of 2022. Air stations Elizabeth City, North Carolina, and Kodiak, Alaska, have already transitioned to the HC-130J.

The Lockheed HC-130 is an extended-range, search and rescue (SAR)/combat search and rescue (CSAR) version of the C-130 Hercules military transport aircraft, with two different versions operated by two separate services in the U.S. armed forces.

The HC-130H Hercules and HC-130J Super Hercules versions are operated by the United States Coast Guard in a SAR and maritime reconnaissance role.