Air Force Special Ops Testing Amphibious MC-130

Wave testing of modifications that turn the Air Force Special Operations Command's (AFSOC) clandestine cargo aircraft into virtual seaplanes capable of water take offs and landings is currently underway, according to a top command official.

Kimberly Johnson

Thursday, September 08, 2022 at 05:28 PM ET

Verified

A U.S. Air Force Loadmaster assigned to the 352d Special Operations Wing sits on the ramp of a U.S. Air Force MC-130J Commando II over Normandy, France, June 6, 2022. The 352 SOW participated in numerous ceremonies and events to commemorate the 78th anniversary of D-Day, the largest multinational amphibious landing and operational military airdrop in history, and highlights the U.S.’ steadfast commitment to European allies and partners.(U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Izabella Workman)

Key Takeaways:

AFSOC is developing amphibious modifications for its MC-130J Commando II cargo planes, enabling them to take off and land on water.
This new capability, known as MAC, will enhance special operations by allowing the insertion and extraction of forces and equipment from large bodies of water.
The modifications are the result of a 100% digital design process, optimized for factors like drag, weight, and sea state performance, and will be field-installable starting in 2023.
Wave testing is currently underway, and the modifications are performing as predicted by the digital design, allowing the aircraft to land on both land and water.

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Can a Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) MC-130J Commando II cargo plane land on water? Wave testing of modifications that turn the Air Force Special Operations Command’s (AFSOC) clandestine cargo airplanes into amphibious aircraft capable of water takeoffs and landings is currently underway, according to a top command official.

From an engineering standpoint, a C-130 airframe probably isn’t the first aircraft one would start with when designing an amphibious airplane, admitted AFSOC Commander Lt. Gen. James Slife while speaking at an Air & Space Forces Association event Wednesday.