Apparently the SEAL teams want a float plane version of the MC-130. So far the picture released show one with flotation bags under the fuselage.

https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/4 ... s-wishlist

Jim

Personally, I can't see it happening. I think it's usefulness is limited to very specific circumstances
A dirty great C-130 making a splash on landing is going to be noticed. Not what Special Forces like.

Having been involved in special forces maritime ops, I can state that having the aircraft land on water would confer no significant advantages except for post-op recovery. The process of injecting troops and RIBs is far more efficient from the air (although, it has to be said, not very high!). A proper, smaller, amphibious aircraft would be a better option for extraction, and they already exist.

My memory is sometimes somewhat vague, but I distinctly remember seeing an artist's impression of a flying boat C-130 variant over 30 years or more ago. This was in the British "Profile Publications".

The features I remember were a flying boat modification to the lower fuselage, support floats under the outer wings, and the engine installation resembled the P-3's with overwing exhausts.

Jorgen