Lockheed Martin KC-130

KC-130
A KC-130J from VMGR-252 flies over the Mediterranean Sea, 15 June 2014
Role Tanker (aircraft) / Transport, Overwatch / Ground support ((Harvest HAWK variant)).
National origin United States
Manufacturer Lockheed
Lockheed Martin
Introduction KC-130F: 1962
KC-130R: 1976
KC-130T: 1983
KC-130J: April 2004
Retired KC-130F (2006)
KC-130R (2007)
KC-130T (2021)
Status Active
Primary users United States Marine Corps
Royal Canadian Air Force
Number built KC-130B: 6
KC-130F: 46
KC-130H: 33
KC-130R: 14
KC-130T: 28
KC-130J: 53
Developed from Lockheed C-130 Hercules
Lockheed Martin C-130J Super Hercules
Developed into Lockheed Martin HC-130J[1]
Lockheed Martin MC-130J[1]

The Lockheed Martin (previously Lockheed) KC-130 is a family of the extended-range tanker version of the C-130 Hercules transport aircraft. The KC-130J is the latest variant operated by the United States Marine Corps (USMC), with 48 delivered out of 79 ordered. It replaced older KC-130F, KC-130R, and KC-130T variants for aerial refueling. USMC reserve unit, VMGR-452 operated 12 KC-130T aircraft until May 2021; this was the last USMC reserve unit that operated the legacy KC-130s, completing the Corps' transition to the more advanced Super Hercules.