This is a very useful platform for useless dirt wars. There are still some smart people to be found in the DOD.
A multi-functional C-130; tanker, cargo, ISR, shooter.
The KC-130J “Harvest Hawk” of Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 352, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (Forward), has all the same capabilities of a KC-130J “Hercules,” but the Harvest Hawk carries four Hellfire and 10 Griffen GPS guided missiles and houses an infrared and television camera.
Its mission is to provide close air support, conduct intelligence surveillance and reconnaissance missions and find improvised explosive devices.
“This aircraft is not traditional – yet,” said Maj. Marc Blankenbicker, a fire control officer for the Harvest Hawk.
There is only one Harvest Hawk operating in Afghanistan, and it is used to fill the gaps where coverage from other aircraft isn’t available; it operates in a role similar to that of an F/A-18, explained Blankenbicker, who is originally from Avon, Conn.
Though the Harvest Hawk only began its first deployment in October, it has already had its first weapons engagement Nov. 4.
“We supported [3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment] in Sangin when they were in a fire fight,” said Blankenbicker. “We shot one Hellfire missile, and the battle damage assessment was five enemy [killed in action].”
It is also scheduled to get a 30mm Bushmaster II cannon and some “other” air to ground weapons in future phases.
Very handy and I wonder if the idea might catch on amongst other C-130 users?
To Whom It May Concern –
I am the publisher of the above printed material regarding the Harvest Hawk. My Marine, Sgt Deanne Hurla produced this story a few weeks ago.
Please show Sgt Hurla the respect she has earned, through her work as a journalist and her service as a Marine, and give the proper credit to this story. I’ve attached the original story on our distribution hub below.
http://www.dvidshub.net/news/60315/kc-130j-harvest-hawk-takes-new-role-afghanistan
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Respectfully,
1stLt. Gesecki
He did include a link to the original story here,
http://www.i-mef.usmc.mil/external/3dmaw/news/news_2010_11_17_01.jsp
Yeah, freakin link died. Sorry about that. I did link to the story in the original posting as the above poster noted. I will use your link. Thanks L.T.
It looks like Wired-Danger Room covered this story too.
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While an interesting idea, there could be a problem expanding it beyond a relatively small number of aircraft.
Countries who might allow landing and overflight rights for an unarmed tanker might balk at even a “potentially” armed one. This could limit forward basing options even further than they already are.