CAL FIRE’s C-130

Heavy hauler of the skies—when wildfires rage, the C-130 takes flight with unmatched force.

Heavy Airtanker, Maximum Impact CAL FIRE’s C-130 Air Tanker

The CAL FIRE C-130 Hercules is a high-capacity airtanker built for rapid wildfire response, delivering powerful aerial support to protect California's communities and landscapes.

Mission
The C-130H’s are used for rapid initial attack delivery of fire retardant on wildland fires. These airtankers are strategically located throughout California. The first C-130H was put into service at McClellan Airtanker Base on Monday, August 26, 2024.

Manufacturer
Lockheed Martin, Marietta Georgia.

Original Owner
United States Coast Guard, 1985-present (USCG HC-130H).

Acquired by CAL FIRE
In July 2018, California secured approval to acquire seven C-130H aircraft for CAL FIRE. This addition to the firefighting fleet was solidified in December 2023 with the passage of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) by Congress. Signed into law by President Biden later that month, the NDAA authorized the transfer of these C-130Hs from the United States Coast Guard to California. Since 2018 the United States Air Force and the United States Coast Guard played a pivotal role in maintaining the aircraft including the replacement of the inner and outer wing boxes paint, and providing spare provisions to ensure the aircraft will remain in service.

Crew

  • Three-person crew; pilot, co-pilot, and flight engineer.

Payload

  • 4,000 gallons long-term fire retardant. 

Specifications

  • Gross Weight: 155,000 Pounds
  • Max Operating Speed: 368 mph
  • Range: Loaded - 800 miles/Empty - 3,000 miles
  • Endurance: 8 hours
  • Wing Span: 133 feet
  • Engines: Four Allison T56-A-15turboprops; producing 4,300 horsepower each

C-130H Airtanker (PDF)