Unrivaled Giants: Unveiling the World's Largest and Costliest Military Aircraft
3. The Combat King II, HC-130J
Entered Service: 2010
Retirement Status: N/A
Cost: $66 Million
The HC-130J Combat King II is engineered for combat search-and-rescue, featuring extra fuel tanks in the cargo bay and refueling pods under the wings to support helicopters and tilt-rotor aircraft far from base.
After its 2010 maiden flight, the aircraft underwent rigorous trials before reaching Initial Operational Capability two years later.
In essence, the Combat King II extends the reach of rescue forces, making it a lifesaving asset wherever conflicts arise.
HC-130J Combat King II
The Air Force plans to field seventy-eight Combat King IIs across active, Guard, and Reserve units, highlighting their mission-critical value. This fleet will bolster rescue operations worldwide, ensuring wounded or stranded personnel are never out of reach.
