2024-10-07
Egypt’s Air Power to Get Herculean Lift from Lockheed
The Egyptian Air Force is set to expand its fleet with the addition of two C-130J-30 Super Hercules tactical airlifters, courtesy of Lockheed Martin. The announcement was made during the recent Egypt International Air Show, where the Egyptian Armed Forces (EAF) confirmed the acquisition through a Foreign Military Sale with the U.S. Air Force.
The C-130J-30 Super Hercules offers enhanced capability, versatility, and power to the Egyptian Air Force crews who have historically operated a C-130H fleet.
MENA Operators
Egypt’s extensive C-130H fleet, one of the largest in the world, plays a significant role in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, supporting military, peacekeeping, humanitarian, and natural disaster response missions. Egypt joins seven other MENA operators that have selected the C-130J as their preferred tactical airlifter and tanker.
“Egypt is a distinguished C-130 operator, relying on the EAF’s large Hercules fleet to support some of the most challenging mission requirements,” said Rod McLean, vice president and general manager of Lockheed Martin’s Air Mobility & Maritime Missions line of business. “Welcoming Egypt to the C-130J Super Hercules global fleet is an honour that represents the longstanding partnership between our two nations and with Lockheed Martin. Through these C-130J-30s, the EAF’s tactical airlift presence deliver unmatched capabilities and aligned force amplification to better serve Egypt, north Africa and the world.”
Egypt purchased six C-130H aircraft in June 1976 through a Foreign Military Sale, with additional deliveries continuing until 1990. The new C-130J-30s will address both current and future tactical airlift requirements by aiding Egyptian forces in transporting supplies, equipment, and personnel, enhancing their capabilities in security and humanitarian efforts. The airlift capability is expected to support missions related to security, humanitarian aid, maritime patrol, and search and rescue operations.
The Super Hercules sets standards in tactical airlift missions with proven operational readiness and ease of transition. It offers increased reliability, superior tactical airlift and combat airdrop capabilities, certification from several airworthiness authorities, and enhanced survivability.
The C-130J also provides interoperability with NATO and global air forces, robust industrial partnerships, and lower life-cycle costs with significant fuel savings, reducing its carbon footprint compared to other medium-sized jet airlifters.
Worldwide Reach
The global C-130 family - to include legacy and Super Hercules operators - spans 70 nations. A worldwide supply chain builds and supports the C-130 enterprise. With nearly three million flight hours logged across the global fleet of 540+ C-130Js, invaluable insights gained from missions in every scenario equip the C-130J for what’s next.
The C-130J is a remarkable aircraft, capable of performing a wide range of missions. With 19 certified capabilities, it stands out as the most adaptable aircraft in aviation history. These missions can be pre-installed as production variants or added through modular setups, allowing for quick configuration changes.
Some of the notable production variants include the C-130J-30 Super Hercules, EC-130J Commando Solo, HC-130J Combat King II, HC-130J Coast Guard, KC-130J Tanker, LM-100J Commercial Freighter and MC-130J Commando II.
Super Evolution
The aircraft represents a significant advancement over legacy platforms, offering superior speed, range, and cargo capacity. It stands as the most advanced version of the C-130 ever designed, built, flown, and maintained, featuring a fully integrated digital core.
The cutting-edge system includes dual heads-up displays (HUDs) for enhanced situational awareness, Block 7.0/8.1 software that is installed during production, automated maintenance fault reporting, and an integrated defensive suite. The aircraft boasts a 250-knot ramp/door capability.
The global fleet benefits from Lockheed Martin’s extensive support infrastructure, which includes a 24/7 Customer Support Center, field support teams, and the HercFusion data analytics system for advanced predictive fleet operations optimisation.
Lockheed Martin provides a full catalog of Aeronautics Capabilities Solutions for post-production enhancements, spares pooling, and a strategic partnership with Derco. Derco, a Lockheed Martin company, is renowned for its expertise in spares, component refreshment and replenishment, logistics, and technical solutions worldwide.
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