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 Hotel mode, a unique capability of the C-130J propulsion system that provides for safer ground loading and unloading operations, was demonstrated in recent tests at MCAS Cherry Point, North Carolina. This capability puts the C-130J propellers in feathered position, which reduces both propeller blast and engine exhaust heat and, consequently, the amount of dust, dirt, and debris being kicked up behind the aircraft. The engines remain running in this mode enabling the pilot to spool them quickly up to military power.
During the test, a KC-130J in Hotel mode and a KC-130F in low-speed ground idle were placed side by side into a five-knot headwind with engines running at the same rate. Smoke flares were placed behind each aircraft to detect flow patterns. Smoke from the flare behind the KC-130J rose vertically and dispersed, while the areas directly behind the engines and the cargo ramp remained essentially unaffected. Smoke from the flare placed behind the KC-130F flowed nearly straight back.
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