U.S. Air Force rescue team flies two HC-130J aircraft for the first time

MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, Ga., Dec. 3 (UPI) -- The U.S. Air Force's 71st Rescue Squadron deployed two HC-130J Combat King II aircraft in support of Operation Inherent Resolve for the first time.

The fixed-wing, personnel recovery aircraft deployed with over 60 aircrew, support and maintenance personnel. Flight missions for the HC-130J Combat King II aim to ensure U.S. personnel can be recovered quickly and effectively, avoiding isolation in hostile environments.

The Lockheed Martin-built aircraft replaces the earlier HC-130P/Ns as the Air Force's only dedicated fixed-wing personnel recovery platform. The plane builds on the extended range version of the C-130J Hercules, designed to transport combatants and other personnel in recovery operations in all-weather and terrain environments. The plane is also designed for humanitarian aid missions.

"It's the start of another era," Lt. Col. Gary Symon, the 71st RQS director of operations, said in a statement. "We flew the P-model aircraft here for about 15 to 16 years, throughout multiple deployments, and now it's this new aircraft's turn."

The Combat King features improved navigation, threat detection and countermeasure systems. The aircraft has been stationed at the Moody Air Force Base in Georgia since 2013.

"There's been significant technological improvement. They can fly faster, they can fly higher, they can carry more, and they burn about 10 percent less fuel, so it's much more efficient," Symon added.