The C-130 can deliver fuel as well as fire retardant. Here, during operations in Iraq, an HC-130--an extended-range, combat search-and-rescue variant--performs its primary mission of in-flight refueling of helicopters (in this case, HH-60G Pave Hawk). This version also transports and picks up pararescue teams. HC-130s commonly fly after dark, with no external lighting and with crew members wearing night vision goggles, to avoid detection.

This extended-range version of the C-130 can travel beyond 4,000 miles, with a ceiling of 33,000 feet and a speed of 289 mph at sea level.