What is the KC-130 Hercules plane that crashed in Mississippi?

On Monday, a U.S. Marine Corps KC-130 Hercules crashed in Mississippi, killing at least 16 aboard the aircraft.

Whatever happened to the plane – there had been reports of a "structural failure" at 20,000 feet – happened quickly. One report claims there was a mid-air explosion before the crash. The plane crashed around 4 p.m. CT near Greenwood, Mississippi, along Highway 82.

It is not yet clear which version of the C-130 crashed Monday. The older version of the mid-air refueling plane, is the KC-130T. The newer version is the KC-130J.

Here are some specifics about the KC-130 Hercules.

Who builds it?
Lockheed Martin manufactures the plane.

Which branch uses it?
The U.S. Marine Corp uses that version of the C-130.

How big is it?
The KC-130 has a 42,000-pound payload.

How far can it fly? How fast?
The KC-130 has a range of 2,835 nautical miles and a speed of 362 knots – 415.5 miles per hour. The plane is powered by 4 Rolls-Royce AE 2100D3 turboprop engines.

What is the crew size?
The plane has a minimum crew of at least four – two pilots, one crew chief and one loadmaster.

What is it used for?
The KC-130 Hercules is a tanker aircraft. The "J" designation means the plane is primarily an aerial refueling aircraft. The Hercules can offload 57,500 pounds of fuel while airborne using wing and external tanks. The plane carries a removable aluminum tank that holds up to 3,600 gallons of fuel. The tank is carried in the cargo compartment. The plane can also be used to refuel vehicles on the ground.

How fast can it transfer fuel?
The plane can transfer 300 gallons of fuel per minute to two aircraft at the same time.

Any other uses?
The plane can be transformed into an aerial gunship.

Sources: Military.com; thedrive.com

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