Lockheed Martin Delivers 400th C-130J Super Hercules

By Editor 12-Mar-2018

News

American aerospace behemoth Lockheed Martin has achieved another major milestone as the company completed the 400th delivery of its main workhouse aircraft C-130J Super Hercules. The 400th aircraft is a Super Hercules MC-130J Commando II Special Operations aircraft that has been assigned to the U.S. Air Force’s Special Operations Command (AFSOC).

The C-130J Super Hercules is the current production model of Lockheed’s legendary C-130 Hercules aircraft, with operators in 17 nations. Till date, the global fleet of C-130J has surpassed more than 1.7 million flight hours supporting almost any mission requirement, any time, any place. 

George Shultz, Vice President and General Manager, Air Mobility & Maritime Missions at Lockheed Martin, has said that all the 400 C-130Js meet a global demand for the proven performance and unmatched versatility found only in a Super Hercules. “C-130J’s durability, relevancy and capability will continue to set the aircraft apart as the world’s choice in tactical airlift for decades to come. We celebrate this accomplishment with our employees, industry partners and the Super Hercules operator community that spans 17 countries,” said Shultz

The C-130J is defined by its versatility and flexibility. The C-130J supports 17 different mission configurations including transport (military and commercial), firefighting, search and rescue, Special Operations, weather reconnaissance, and aerial refuelling. In continuous production longer than any other military aircraft, the C-130 has earned a reputation as a workhorse ready for any mission, anywhere, anytime.

This aircraft has another distinction other than being the 400th C-130J delivered. It is the 13th MC-130J to be converted into an AC-130J Ghostrider gunship. It will be assigned to the 1st Special Operations Wing at Hurlburt Field, Florida. The AC-130J is a highly modified C-130J that provides close-air support, air interdiction and armed reconnaissance.

The U.S. government operates the largest C-130J Super Hercules fleet in the world. This delivery represents the U.S. government’s continued transition to the C-130J as the common platform across Air Mobility Command, AFSOC, Air Combat Command, U.S. Coast Guard and U.S. Marine Corps. The Air National Guard and Reserve still operate a mixed fleet of C-130J and legacy aircraft.