The US Coast Guard has accepted delivery of its 18th HC-130J at L3Harris’ Integrated Mission Systems facility in Waco, Texas.
Known as CGNR 2018, the aircraft was missionized by L3Harris from the standard C-130J configuration, incorporating the Minotaur MSS+ mission suite, along with USCG-tailored radar, sensor, and communications systems.
The platform will be assigned to USCG Air Station Sacramento, aiding the base’s transition from C-27J aircraft to the HC-130J fleet. It marks the fourth HC-130J delivered ahead of schedule, arriving two months early, and follows the handover of the 17th aircraft in January 2025.
Currently, HC-130Js operate from USCG air stations in Elizabeth City, Kodiak, and Barbers Point. The service plans to field 25 aircraft in total to secure borders and maritime approaches, protect trade routes, and respond rapidly to emergencies.
Capable of cruising at 320 knots, flying up to 4,900 nautical miles, and remaining airborne for more than 20 hours, the HC-130J is a key long-endurance surveillance asset. Its open-architecture MSS+ system enables real-time data sharing across operational units, replacing legacy, siloed sensor configurations.
