Combat Shadow Query

[RichC]

Does anyone know why the Combat Shadow's got rid of their square nose (like the Talons have) and their large Satcom antenna in the hump on the top?
It seems all MC-130P's now have the hump removed and the SF nose.

Just a general question really... is it due to the upgrade and technology of the Satcom nowadays (they only have to be small) or what?
Or was the antenna on the MC-130P the same kind as that fitted on the E-6B and E-4B?

I assume it was steerable being a hump rather than the one fitted to all USAF large planes now which is tiny in comparison.

[JG71]

All i know is the squared off nose had the Foulton recovery system in place.That was removed some years ago.

[dinger]

Not sure about the dorsal hump and why it was removed, however, there are at least two, possibly three Combat Shadows on strength at Mildenhall which retain the old Fulton nose minus the arms for the recovery system.

Dinger.

[RichC]

Thanks guys,
So why haven't they changed the noses on the MC-130H Combat Talons back to the standard if it is no longer required...?

[dinger]

As far as I know, the 'square' nose on the Combat Talon II houses the terrain following radar that is used for ultra low level SF all weather day/night role that the aircraft is used for. Some of the Combat Talon I models operated by AFRC have 'normal' Herc noses like the one that was on display at RIAT and the others have a 'chisel' type nose.

Dinger.