MC-130J Commando II w/SKR Spec. Ops Transp./Tanker

Plastic model kit for a Lockheed Martin MC-130J "Commando II" (featuring the AN/APQ-187 "Silent Knight" Radar) – a transport and refueling aircraft for special operations.

• Scale: 1:144
• Includes specialized 3D-printed parts
• 3 marking options:
  • 08-5697, 19th Special Operations Squadron (19 SOS), Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC), USAF, Sept. 2022
  • 14-5800, Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC), USAF
  • 11-5733, 67th Special Operations Squadron (67 SOS), Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC), USAF
• Painting masks included
• Counterweight included
• Unassembled, unpainted
• Paint and glue not included

The MC-130J "Commando II" is a four-engine military special-mission transport aircraft operated by the United States Air Force. Part of the renowned Lockheed Martin Hercules family, it was specifically developed to support special operations forces.

Unlike the standard C-130J Super Hercules, the MC-130J is equipped for highly demanding missions—often conducted at night, at low altitudes, and under challenging weather conditions.

The MC-130J features a modern digital cockpit, advanced navigation systems, and specialized equipment for operating in tactically complex environments.

It is operated by the Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC).
Its primary missions include:

• Infiltration: The covert insertion of special operations forces into operational areas.
• Exfiltration: The extraction of special operations forces following a mission.
• Aerial Refueling: Providing fuel to compatible helicopters and tiltrotor aircraft. Resupply: Dropping or offloading material, equipment, and paratroopers.
• Tactical landings: Operations on short, sometimes unpaved airfields.
• Special operations: Flights conducted at night and at low altitude, potentially in contested environments or under threat from adversaries.

Cooperation with aircraft such as the Sikorsky HH-60G Pave Hawk and the Bell Boeing CV-22 Osprey is particularly important.

Specialized Equipment

• Radar and navigation systems
  • Dedicated radar and navigation equipment enables precise approaches and low-altitude flight, even in darkness or conditions of limited visibility.
• Aerial refueling system
  • Refueling pods equipped with extendable hoses and drogues (hose-and-drogue system) are mounted beneath the wings.
• Rear loading ramp
  • A large rear ramp facilitates the transport of vehicles, equipment, and personnel, as well as the airdrop of cargo and paratroopers.

The aircraft is also equipped with self-protection systems against specific threats, military communication suites, and cockpit lighting compatible with night-vision equipment.

Known operational bases include Cannon Air Force Base (New Mexico), RAF Mildenhall (United Kingdom), and Kadena Air Base (Okinawa, Japan). Kirtland Air Force Base is also used for training purposes.