기상관측용 항공기 미공군 WC-130H기가 J형의 등장으로 WC-130J로 새로 배치되기 시작했습니다.
태풍을 관찰하는 임무로 인해 Hurricane Hunters라는 별명이 있는데 태풍을 151.7m에서 3,033.3 m사이의 고도로 통과하면서 정보를 수집한다고 하며 장시간 기상관측을 위해 보조연료탱크를 장착 최고 15시간의 비행능력이 있습니다.

아래는 WC-130H의 개발배경과 제원입니다.

Background
The WC-130H Hercules is a modified version of the C-130 transport configured with computerized weather instrumentation for penetration of severe storms to obtain data on storm movements, dimensions and intensity. The WC-130B became operational in 1959, the E model in 1962, followed by the H model in 1964. Only the H model is currently in operation. The WC-130J, currently in testing, is scheduled to replace the WC-130H.
The WC-130 provides vital tropical cyclone forecasting information. It penetrates tropical cyclones and hurricanes at altitudes ranging from 500 to 10,000 feet (151.7 to 3,033.3 meters) above the ocean surface depending upon the intensity of the storm. The aircraft's most important function is to collect high-density, high-accuracy weather data from within the storm's environment. This includes penetration of the center or hurricane eye of the storm. This vital information is instantly relayed by satellite to the National Hurricane Center to aid in the accurate forecasting of hurricane movement and intensity.

General Characteristics
Primary Function: Weather reconnaissance
Contractor: Lockheed Aircraft Corp.
Power Plant: Four Allison turboprop engines; T-56-A-15
Length: 99 feet, 4 inches (30.10 meters)
Height: 38 feet, 6 inches (11.67 meters)
Maximum Takeoff Weight: 155,000 pounds (69,750 kilograms)
Wingspan: 132 feet, 6 inches (40.15 meters)
Range: 4,000 miles (3,478 nautical miles)
Ceiling: 33,000 feet (10,000 meters)
Endurance: Can stay aloft 15 hours at 300-plus mph
Speed: 350-plus mph (Mach 0.46; 304 knots per hour)
Crew: Six; pilot, co-pilot, navigator, flight engineer, aerial reconnaissance weather officer and dropsonde system operator
Date Deployed: 1964
Unit Cost: Approximately $13 million (1960 dollars)
Inventory: Active force; 0; ANG, 0; Reserve, 10

마지막두장은 현재 활동중인 C-130의 모습입니다.