NAVAL AIR WARFARE CENTER AIRCRAFT DIVISION, Patuxent River, Md. – The Navy Reserve’s KC-130T Hercules, now equipped with the NP2000 propeller system, has been cleared to refuel a wider range of aircraft following successful testing at the Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division (NAWCAD). The testing, which concluded in early 2025, significantly expands the mission capabilities of the aircraft beyond logistics and cargo transport.
Previously, the upgraded KC-130T was only authorized to refuel a single aircraft type. However, testing at NAWCAD has now cleared it to refuel naval aviation’s F-35B/C, F/A-18, EA-18, CH-53K, CH-47, H-60 variants, and AV-8B. The evaluation was conducted by NAWCAD federal engineers, testers, and military test pilots from Air Test and Evaluation Squadron (VX) 20 in collaboration with industry partners.
“Prior to this testing, we only had a single aircraft cleared for refueling from the upgraded KC-130T,” said NAWCAD’s developmental test wing Commodore Capt. Elizabeth Somerville. “This advanced capability gives us flexibility in any future conflict.”
The ability to refuel a broader range of aircraft enhances naval aviation’s operational reach and strengthens coordination with U.S. allies. The expansion follows a request by U.S. Pacific Fleet to increase aerial refueling options for carrier air wings.
“If we look forward to any future fight, it’s going to take intense collaboration between all of the forces: Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, Army, Coast Guard,” said Somerville. “Any resource that provides fuel airborne is going to be invaluable to all assets that are flying.”
The KC-130T Hercules is a long-range, multi-role tactical aircraft that provides logistical support to fleet operating forces. Its new refueling capabilities will allow for greater operational flexibility and sustained air missions across various platforms.
NAWCAD, based in Patuxent River, Maryland, employs more than 20,000 military, civilian, and contract personnel. The command operates test ranges, laboratories, and aircraft in support of research, development, test, evaluation, and sustainment efforts for all Navy and Marine Corps aircraft. NAWCAD also has major sites in St. Inigoes, Maryland, Lakehurst, New Jersey, and Orlando, Florida.
Watch a video of the KC-130T testing.
