U.S. Air Force Testing Drag-Reducing Feature on MC-130J

‘Finlets’ enhance the aircraft’s fuel efficiency and range.

Zach Vasile

Saturday, July 26, 2025 at 11:30 AM ET

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Edited By:

Travis Tingle

An MC-130J taxis out for its first flight with new aerodynamic Finlets attached to the aircraft at Eglin Air Force Base. [Credit: /U.S. Air Force Michelle Gigante]

Key Takeaways:

The U.S. Air Force is testing 3-D printed "Finlets" on MC-130J transport aircraft to reduce aerodynamic drag, aiming to improve fuel efficiency and extend operational range.
Developed by Vortex Control Technologies, these small fins are designed to streamline airflow and are estimated to reduce drag by 6-8%.
This initiative is part of a broader Air Force effort to modernize the fleet, reduce costs, and enhance combat capability and readiness, with plans to deploy Finlets across the C-130J fleet and other aircraft.

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The U.S. Air Force is testing drag-reducing devices called “Finlets” on MC-130Js with the goal of improving the transport aircraft’s fuel efficiency and range.

Officials at Eglin Air Force Base in Florida said the 3-D-printed Finlets, developed by Seattle-based Vortex Control Technologies, have been mounted on the aircraft’s rear door and on both sides of the tail fin and are being evaluated for their flight and air handling capabilities.