is it April 1st ?

[rb1957]

from Flight ...
"US Special Operations Command explores amphibious MC-130 transport concept
20 May 2021

The US Special Operations Command is exploring turning its Lockheed Martin MC-130J into an amphibious aircraft by adding two large floats below its hull."

another day in paradise, or is paradise one day closer ?

 

[KirbyWan]

They could call it the albatross, and then see if the name is ironic or not.

-Kirby

Kirby Wilkerson

Remember, first define the problem, then solve it.

 

[LittleInch]

I prefer the 1960's version myself.

Some real "cut and paste" designs here...

https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zo...rt-is-on-special-operations-commands-wishlist

Remember - More details = better answers
Also: If you get a response it's polite to respond to it.

 

[IRstuff]

There would have to be some pretty massive design changes to make it work right.

TTFN (ta ta for now)
I can do absolutely anything. I'm an expert!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BKorP55Aqvg

faq731-376 forum1529 Entire Forum list

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[rb1957]

maybe the floats detach to deliver a SEAL team ?

making the rear door water tight might e a problem (or an opportunity ?)

another day in paradise, or is paradise one day closer ?

 

[WKTaylor]

Hmmmm… New to me... and I usually stumble-over this stuff.

Any corroborating articles from reputable military aviation sources... or Lockheed???

The 'problem with floats' is that they are primarily intended for relatively calm water... low swells/chop, like lakes, rivers and protected ocean bays.

The seaplane hull-design dreamed-up 'long ago' is MUCH more suitable for open/rough/high-swell sea operations. But overall rough-sea stresses mean a MUCH tougher/stronger/heavier(?) structure.

Regards, Wil Taylor
o Trust - But Verify!
o We believe to be true what we prefer to be true. [Unknown]
o For those who believe, no proof is required; for those who cannot believe, no proof is possible. [variation,Stuart Chase]
o Unfortunately, in science what You 'believe' is irrelevant. ["Orion", Homebuiltairplanes.com forum]

 

[WKTaylor]

Amphibious MC-130J Transport Is On Special Operations Command's Wishlist ??????????

https://breakingdefense.com/2021/05/can-special-ops-build-a-c-130-seaplane-theyre-trying/?

Regards, Wil Taylor
o Trust - But Verify!
o We believe to be true what we prefer to be true. [Unknown]
o For those who believe, no proof is required; for those who cannot believe, no proof is possible. [variation,Stuart Chase]
o Unfortunately, in science what You 'believe' is irrelevant. ["Orion", Homebuiltairplanes.com forum]

 

[verymadmac]

At least one of those graphics in the "thedrive" link is from about 2000's I think, so one of those ideas that gets rolled out every 20 years or so. Practically the ramp is going to be pretty useless some 20 ft up in the air. How much margin is there in the vertical stab area, as none of those sketches show additional fin area.

The Jap's keep offering pretty good deals on license built US-2, now there is a proper seaplane.

 

[berkshire]

Some years ago Lockheed experimented with an amphibious version of the C130 using a retractable air cushion under the belly. They abandoned the idea after running into directional control problems, particularly in cross wind conditions.
B.E.

You are judged not by what you know, but by what you can do.

 

[Ng2020]

With the RCS of a suburban house and ungainly appearance, it would hardly go unnoticed. Given such publicity in advance, I can't imagine it being used in a tactical sense for special operations.
A red herring?
Or filling a capability gap for some edge of the envelope scenario?

 

[rb1957]

de Havilland also experimented with "air cushion" landing, with a -5 Buffalo. The plane was supposed to be able to land on a clearing, with exposed tree stumps.

As someone who's seen (and heard) a seaplane landing (and taking off) ... possibly the least stealthy thing a plane can do ! (and requires an enormous amount of clear water, so very limited operationally).

another day in paradise, or is paradise one day closer ?