The U.S. Navy Reserve’s KC-130T Hercules fleet, upgraded with the NP2000 propeller system, is now cleared to aerially refuel a significantly wider range of aircraft across the carrier airwing following envelope expansion testing at the Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division (NAWCAD) which concluded in early 2025.
Originally, the KC-130T aircraft were primarily used for cargo missions. However, recognising the increasing need to refuel more assets in the air, the Navy initiated a project to regain aerial refuelling capabilities across the fleet.
NAWCAD engineers, testers, and military test pilots from Air Test and Evaluation Squadron (VX) 20, along with industry partners, conducted the envelope expansion testing. Prior to these tests, only the V-22 Osprey had been cleared for refuelling from the upgraded KC-130T. The recent tests included the EA-18 Growler and the CH-53K King Stallion. Coordination with VX-20 and other Navy squadrons were essential to coordinate the testing of receiver and tanker aircraft.
The aircraft now cleared for air-to-air refuelling from the KC-130T include the F-35B/C, F/A-18, EA-18, CH-53K, CH-47, H-60s, and AV-8B. This development significantly increases the operational reach and flexibility for naval aviation.
According to Captain Elizabeth Somerville, NAWCAD’s developmental test wing Commodore, this advanced capability provides crucial flexibility in any future conflict. She also noted the importance of intense collaboration between all forces – Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, Army, and Coast Guard – in any future engagement. Any resource that can provide airborne fuel is invaluable to all assets that are flying.
The KC-130T Hercules is a multi-role, long-range, land-based tactical aircraft that provides logistical support to fleet operating forces. The recent test effort was initiated following a request by the U.S. Pacific Fleet.
This expansion of the KC-130T’s mission is of great significance for the U.S. Navy Reserves, which exclusively operates the aircraft. The upgraded KC-130T will play a crucial role in supporting the Navy and Marine Corps, ensuring that naval aviation assets can operate effectively across a wider range of scenarios
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