Aviation-Guide - Flipbook - Page 9
S P E C I F I C AT
IONS:
Lockheed C‑130 Hercules
Original owner
United States Coast Guard, 1985-present (USCG
HC-130H)
Acquired by CAL FIRE
This modification process includes replacement
of center wing boxes and outer wings, general
programmed depot level maintenance, (PDM),
painting, and Retardant Dispersal System (RDS)
installation. Once complete, the United States Coast
Guard can transfer ownership to CAL FIRE. Based
on the extensive wing-box modifications, RDS
contracting/installation by the United States Air Force,
and need for pilot training and certification, the first
transferred C-130H’s will be response ready in the
near future.
Mission
Cruise Speed:
360 mph
Gallon Capacity:
4,000 gallons long-term fire
retardant
Manufacturer
Lockheed Martin, Marietta
Georgia
Crew
Three-person crew; pilot,
co-pilot, and flight engineer
Type I Airtanker
Type Large
I Airtanker
Air Tanker “LAT”
On July 24, 2018, California secured approval for
the future acquisition of seven C-130H’s aircraft to
CAL FIRE. A provision included in the 2019 National
Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) allowed the
transfer from the United States Coast Guard, to
California, upon the completion of modifications by the
United States Air Force.
The C-130H’s will be used for rapid initial attack
delivery of fire retardant on wildand fires. These 7
new airtankers will support CAL FIRE’s existing fleet
of aircraft from air attack bases strategically located
throughout California.
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