Overflight permission was granted by Turkey on 23 March and the Combat Talon IIs delivered fifty ODAs into Iraq. The Talon IIs then resupplied Task Force Viking, assisted in operations to capture Kirkuk and Mosul, airlanded supplies at remote outposts using Internal Airlift Slingable Container Units (ISUs) and acted as pathfinders for conventional C-130 airlift missions.
The MC-130W ‘Combat Spear’ or ‘Combat Wombat’ to give its unofficial name, performs clandestine or low visibility missions into denied areas to provide aerial refuelling to SOF helicopters or to air drop small SOF teams and supply bundles. The first of twelve MC-130Ws (87-9286) was presented to Air Force Special Operations Command on 28 June 2006. The aircraft was developed to supplement the MC-130 Combat Talon and Combat Shadow forces as an interim measure after several training accidents and contingency losses in supporting the Global War on Terrorism. The programme modified C-130H-2 airframes from the 1987-1990 production run, acquired from airlift units in the AFRes Command and Air National Guard. Use of the H-2 airframe allowed installation of SOF systems already configured for Combat Talons without expensive and time-consuming development that would be required of new production C-130J aircraft, reducing the flyaway cost of the Spear to $60 million per aircraft. The Combat Spears, however, do not have a Terrain Following/Terrain Avoidance capability.
EC-130E 62-1818 which was one of the Hercules used on the ill-fated ‘Eagle Claw’ operation on 24 April 1980, pictured here on its return to Hurlburt Field.
A standard system of special forces avionics equips the MC-130W: a fully integrated Global Positioning System and Inertial Navigation System, an AN/APN-241 Low Power Colour weather/navigation radar; interior and exterior NVG-compatible lighting; advanced threat detection and automated countermeasures, including active infrared countermeasures as well as chaff and flares; upgraded communication suites, including dual satellite communications using data burst transmission to make trackback difficult; aerial refuelling capability; and the ability to act as an aerial tanker for helicopters and CV-22 Osprey aircraft using Mk 32B-902E refuelling pods.
The MC-130Ws are assigned to the 73rd Special Operations Squadron at Cannon Air Force Base, New Mexico, with all twelve to be operational by 2010. Initially nicknamed the ‘Whiskey’ (NATO phonetic for the ‘W’ modifier), the MC-130W was officially dubbed the ‘Combat Spear’ in May 2007 to honour the historical legacy of the Combat Talons in Việtnam.
Beginning in 1997 studies of the vulnerability of the non-stealthy MC-130 force reflected concerns about its viability in modern high-threat environments, including the prevalence of manportable air-defence systems (‘MANPADs’) in asymmetric conflicts. At least two studies were conducted or proposed to explore the prospect of a replacement aircraft (known variously as ‘MC-X’ or ‘M-X’), with USAF at that time hoping for an Initial Operating Capability date of 2018. One analyst questioned the survivability of slow nonstealthy platforms such as the MC-130 in future threat environments in a 2007 presentation to the Centre for Strategic and International Studies and stated his opinion that development of a stealthy replacement for the MC-130 is a ‘strategic priority’. The US ‘ Department of Defence’s 2006 Quadrennial Defence Review Report also recognized the concern, asserting DoD’s intention to ‘enhance capabilities to support SOF insertion and extraction into denied areas from strategic distances.’
Despite these concerns, the USAF decided to proceed with modernization of the current force. The Air Force has stated it desires 37 MC-130Js to replace its MC-130Es and MC-130Ps, which are forty or more years old. Based on the KC-130J tanker operated by the USMC, the new MC-130J has added features for both combat search and rescue and special operations missions. The HC-130J and MC-130J both use the KC-130J tanker as a baseline, but with major modifications to the Block 6.5 KC-130J. The MC-130J adds an Enhanced Service Life Wing, an Enhanced Cargo Handling System, a Universal Aerial Refuelling Receptacle Slipway Installation (UARRSI) boom refuelling receptacle, more powerful electrical generators, an electro-optical/infrared sensor, a combat systems operator station on the flight deck, provisions for the Large Aircraft Infrared Countermeasures System and armour.
Production of the first MC-130J aircraft was started at Lockheed Martin’s facility in Marietta, Georgia on 5 October 2009. Lockheed Martin will build an MC-130J tanker version for Air Force Special Operations Command on its standard C-130J production line. The MC-130J is the first C-130 specifically built for special operations, making it lighter and more efficient. Most special operations aircraft are modified after production to accommodate special operations missions. The MC-130J was initially dubbed the ‘Combat Shadow II’ in honour of the aging MC-130P platform that it was expected to replace but has now officially been named the Commando II.
The Air Force Special Operations Training Centre has begun the MC-130J training programme in conjunction with the 193rd Special Operations Wing, using any of the unit’s four EC-130J ‘Commando Solo’ aircraft to form what will become the training regimen for MC-130J aircrew members. The MC-130J has a five-member crew, a major reduction in size from the standard eightmember MC-130P ‘Combat Shadow’ crew, thus requiring additional coordination among crew members. The MC-130J will begin replacing aging MC-130E Combat Talon I and MC-130P Combat Shadow aircraft after a period of testing and evaluation. The Commando II will fly clandestine, low-level aerial refuelling missions as well as infiltration, exfiltration and resupply missions. Eventually the 415th Special Operations Squadron, a unit of the 58th Operations Group, will become the main training unit for both MC-130J and HC-130J operations.
Within two weeks of the failure of Operation ‘Eagle Claw’ ‘Credible Sport’ was tasked to create a large ‘Super STOL’ fixed-wing aircraft fitted with ASROC units to extract the rescue team and hostages but when on 2 November 1980 the Iranian parliament accepted an Algerian plan for release of the hostages, followed two days later by Ronald Reagan’s election as the US President, the rescue mission plan was cancelled.
The 522nd Special Operations Squadron is the first to operate the MC-130J Commando II. It is expected to achieve Initial Operational Capability in 2012. The first MC-130J (09-6207) undertook its first test flight on 22 April 2011. The 522nd Special Operations Squadron received its first MC-130J in late September 2011. A total of 37 MC-130J aircraft are planned, which will eventually replace all other MC-130 variants.
In 2013 the 7th SOS transitioned from the MC-130H to the Bell Boeing V-22 Osprey.
Chapter 7 Endnotes
1 The eight RH-53D Sea Stallion helicopters had been stowed on the hangar deck of the Nimitz to keep them away from the prying eyes of Iranian patrol aircraft as well as Soviet reconnaissance satellites. The helicopters had accidentally been sprayed with corrosive flame retardant (which had been quickly washed off), then seawater when a small fire broke out in the hangar and maintenance had been delayed until the last minute.
2 In a 24 June 2012 talk.
3 Mark Bowden is an Atlantic national correspondent. His most recent book is The Finish: The Killing of Osama bin Laden.
4 In 1988 74-1686 was placed on display at the Museum of Aviation at Robins Air Force Base in Warner Robins, Georgia. As of February 2008, the other surviving Credible Sport aircraft, 74-2065, was assigned to the 317th Airlift Group, 15th Expeditionary Mobility Task Force, at Dyess Air Force Base, Texas in grey scheme with blue tail band.
Chapter Eight
The Quiet Professionals
When the 105 goes off it gives a pretty good jolt to the ship, but probably worse is a continuous burst from the 20 mils. This leaves a lot of smoke floating around, even in the cockpit, but as we have so many open spaces on board it soon dissipates!’
An AC-130 pilot’s perspective of flying the ‘Spectre’
Largely because of the loss of the EC-130 ABCCC on ‘Eagle Claw’ and the subsequent acts of terrorism and hostage-taking, it was decided that all forces trained in air rescue and special operations should operate under a specialized, unif
ied USAF command with its own helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft. And so on 1 March 1983 the 23rd Air Force was activated at Scott AFB, Illinois. The precursors of this organization’s units, the air commando squadrons (from 1968, special operations squadrons), had played an essential covert role during the war in South-east Asia.
The first test for the new air force came on 25 October 1983 when the 23rd Air Force took part in Operation ‘Urgent Fury’, the rescue of US citizens from Grenada. During the invasion, AC-130 gunships and MC-130 and HC-130 tankers played their part very effectively. The operation even had the services of special EC-130E aircraft to broadcast recorded radio programmes to the residents of Spice Island. Five Combat Talons of the 8th Special Operations Squadron took part. Unlike previous operations that involved months of planning, training and reconnaissance, the 8th SOS prepared in less than 72 hours after being alerted. Its assignment was to insert Rangers of the 1st and 2nd Ranger Battalions at night to capture Point Salines International Airport, defended by both Cuban and Grenadian troops, in the opening moments of the operation. The five Talons divided into three elements, two of them leading formations of Special Operations Low Level-equipped (SOLL) C-130 transports.
The rear deck of an AC-130A gunship at Ubon airfield with the 105mm trainable gun to provide air to ground firing capabilities in the left paratroop door. Each round of ammunition must be loaded by hand. Ammunition storage is provided by racks located on the right-hand side of the Gunship between the operator’s compartment and the right paratroop door. The 105mm mount is capable of being moved manually within an elevation range of 0-20 degrees.
AC-130A gunship in the 16th SOS in flight over Việtnam. Note the ALQ-87 ECM pods fitted beneath the outer wings.
In clouds at 500 feet above the sea and twenty miles west of its objective, the lead Talon (64-0562) experienced a complete failure of its APQ-122 radar. Reorganization of the mission formations delayed the operation for 30 minutes, during which US Marines made their amphibious landing. To compound the lack of surprise, the US Department of State, apparently in a good faith but inept diplomatic gesture, contacted Cuban authorities and compromised the mission, further alerting the defences, including a dozen ZU-23-2 antiaircraft guns. An AC-130 Spectre gunship, directed to observe the main runway for obstructions, reported it blocked by construction equipment and barricades. Loadmasters aboard the inbound Combat Talons reconfigured them for a parachute drop in less than thirty minutes.
Talon 64-0568, flown as Foxtrot 35 by 8th SOS commander Lieutenant Colonel (later Major General) James L. Hobson and with the commander of the Twenty-Third Air Force, Major Gen William J. Mall, Jr., aboard as a passenger, combat-dropped runway clearing teams from the Ranger Battalions on the airport, despite being targeted by a searchlight and under heavy AAA fire. Two Spectre gunships suppressed the AAA so that the other Combat Talons and the SOLL C-130s could complete the parachute drop of the Rangers, with the only damage to the Talons being three hits by small arms fire to 64-0572. For his actions, Hobson was awarded the MacKay Trophy in 1984.
In December 1989 and January 1990, ‘Volant Solo II’ EC-130Es - ‘Coronet Solo’ - were used during Operation ‘Just Cause’, the US invasion of Panama, to broadcast misinformation to Panamanian forces. Three MC-130E ‘Combat Talons’ from the 8th SOS, whose motto is ‘With the Guts to Try’, part of the 1st Special Operations Wing, deployed to Hunter Army Air Field, Georgia within 48 hours of being alerted and then airlanded Rangers of the 2nd Battalion 75th Ranger Regiment into Rio Hato Military airfield on 18 December with two HC-130 refuelling tankers from the 55th SOS supporting them. The operation was conducted under total blackout conditions, using night vision goggles, 35 minutes after the opening parachute assault. One of the MC-130s had an engine disabled by a ground obstruction while taxiing, then made an NVG takeoff on three engines under intense ground fire, earning its pilot the DFC. The lead Talon, the only MC-130E equipped with the Benson tank refuelling system, remained on the airfield as a Forward Area Refuelling and Rearming Point (FARRP) for US Army OH-6 helicopters.
AC-130A 56-0490 Thor on the ramp at Ubon, Thailand. This gunship was shot down near Pakse, Laos on 21 December 1972. In the nose is the AN/APN-59B navigation and moving target indicator. Behind the AN/ASQ-24A stabilized tracking set are twin 20mm M-61 cannon finally two 40mm Bofors cannon and the Motorola AN/APQ-133 beacon tracking radar which replaced the original NASARR F-151-A fire-control radar adapted from the F-104 Starfighter.
In all, 21 aircraft of the 1st Special Operations Wing, plus the 1720th Special Tactics Group (STGP) and elements of the 9th and 55th Special Operations Squadrons, flew over 400 missions during the operation. Seven of the aircraft were AC-130 gunships from the 16th SOS which were among the first in action early on the morning of 20 December, destroying the Panamanian Defence Force’s Comandancia HQ with devastating fusillades of cannon and machine-gun fire. MC-130E ‘Combat Talons’ and MH-53E helicopters were used to infiltrate US Navy SEALS (Sea-Air-Land) into Panamanian positions. When Panamanian General Manuel Noriega surrendered on 3 January he was immediately flown to Homestead AFB, Florida, by a Combat Talon.
A closer view of the left hand side of AC-130 56-0490 Thor showing the ASN/ASD-5 ‘Black Crow’ truck ignition sensor dome. Six AC-130A/E gunships were lost to enemy action in SE Asia, 1969-1972. Five were downed while truck hunting along the Hồ Chi Minh Trail by 57mm and 37 mm Triple A and a SA-2 SAM and one by a SA-7 shoulder fired SAM which struck the #3 engine and blew off the wing. The opening to the right contains the AN/ASQ-24A stabilized tracking set (Korad AN/AVQ-18 laser designator and bomb damage assessment camera).
‘Just Cause’ was the 23rd Air Force’s final operation before its deactivation. On 22 May 1990 the 23rd Air Force became the USAF component of the Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC), when Special Forces of each branch of the armed forces came under its central operational control. Headquarters were established at Hurlburt Field, Florida, where special operations personnel have trained since 1942, when they prepared for the Doolittle raid on Tokyo. The new command’s directive was to organize, train, equip and educate Air Force special operations forces. AFSOC is the air component of the unified US Special Operations Command. The 720th Special Tactics Group, with its headquarters at Hurlburt Field, has units in the US, Europe and the Pacific. The group has special operations combat control teams and para-rescue forces. AFSOC missions include air traffic control for establishing air-assault landing zones; close air support for strike aircraft and AC-130 ‘Spectre’ gunship missions; establishing casualty collection stations; and providing trauma care for injured personnel.
The 16th Special Operations Wing at Hurlburt Field and Eglin AFB, Florida, is the oldest and most seasoned unit in AFSOC. It has no less than six special operations squadrons, three of which operate MC-130E ‘Combat Talon P and MC-130P (formerly HC-130N/P) ‘Combat Shadow’ tankers: the 8th SOS (MC-130E), the 9th SOS (11 MC-130P tankers at Eglin) and the 15th SOS (MC-130H ‘Combat Talon IP) - while the 4th SOS and 16th SOS operate AC-130H/U gunships and the 19th SOS operates AC-130s for training . The 7th SOS and the 67th SOS in the 352nd SOG at RAF Mildenhall, Suffolk, operate MC-130H and MC-130P tankers, respectively (alongside the 21st SOS, equipped with the MH-53J ‘Pave Low’). In Japan, at Kadena AB, Okinawa, the 1st SOS and the 17th SOS in the 353rd SOG operate MC-130H and five MC-130P tanker aircraft, respectively.
The AC-130’ wrote one ‘Spectre’ pilot ‘has been developed as a highly sophisticated side-firing weapons platform, designed to orbit a target, firing downward on to it, the idea being that the ordnance hits the centre of the circle, the target and to complete its tasks the AC-130H is fitted with an impressive array of weaponry and sensors. These include two 20mm rotary ‘Gatling’ guns, each capable of delivering 2,500 rounds per minute (which can be geared down to 2,000 rounds per minute) and primarily used for’ soft’ targets. A single 40mm Bofors gun is also fitted, firing 100 rounds per minute and is used against targets such as vehicles. T
he most potent weapon on board is a single 105mm Army howitzer capable of dispatching between six and nine rounds per minute and this is used to strike ‘hard’ targets such as buildings. These guns are all fitted on trainable hydraulic mounts and ‘tied in’ to the ship’s sensors.
C-130 Hercules Page 26
