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2024-07-03
Herculean Accomplishment: 2,700th Aircraft Delivered!
A milestone in tactical airlift has been achieved by Lockheed Martin with the addition of the 2,700th C-130 Hercules to the global fleet. The KC-130J Super Hercules is now operational with the U.S. Marine Corps Aerial Refueller Transport Squadron 252 at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina.
The C-130 Hercules serves in 70 nations, supporting a wide range of missions anywhere in the world.
The current production model, the C-130J Super Hercules, encompasses the KC-130J variant, certified for 18 different mission roles, including aerial refuelling.
The KC-130J is the global standard for tactical tankers, refuelling most rotary-wing aircraft in operation today, along with several fixed-wing aircraft, including the Lockheed Martin F-35B/C Lightning II fighter. Its tactical design allows the KC-130J to fly at the slow speeds and low altitudes ideal for helicopter refuelling.
The Super Hercules sets standards and shapes the future of tactical airlift missions, including humanitarian operations worldwide.
Air Dominance
The global C-130J fleet spans 26 operators in 22 nations, with over 20 airworthiness certifications, reflecting its widespread trust and reliability. These aircraft have collectively logged nearly three million flight hours, showcasing their durability and performance in various operational scenarios.
The fleet, comprising over 540 C-130Js, has participated in missions ranging from military operations to disaster relief and humanitarian efforts. The invaluable insights gained from this extensive experience continually enhance the C-130J’s capabilities, ensuring it remains ready to tackle future challenges.
“The Lockheed Martin team is honoured to deliver this milestone Super Hercules to the U.S. Marine Corps, where it will be part of the largest KC-130J fleet in the world and provide true force amplification across the globe,” said Rod McLean, vice president and general manager of Lockheed Martin’s Air Mobility & Maritime Missions line of business. “Not only does this Hercules represent the 2,700th C-130 delivered, but it also reflects the inherent mission and performance adaptability that fuels the C-130’s ongoing relevance.”
Flight Readiness Insights
The global fleet’s operating community has access to Lockheed Martin’s unique insights to keep the aircraft mission-ready. These insights are offered through various channels, including a 24/7 customer support centre, field support teams, robust HercFusion data analytics for advanced predictive fleet operations optimisation, and a full catalogue of Aeronautics Capabilities Solutions for post-production enhancements.
Additionally, operators benefit from spares pooling and a partnership with Derco, a Lockheed Martin company that leads in spares, component refresh/replenishment, logistics, and technical solutions worldwide.
The C-130J is faster, goes further, and holds more compared to legacy platforms, translating to greater power and enhanced capabilities.
It is the most advanced C-130 ever designed, built, flown, and maintained, with a truly integrated digital core that offers dual Heads-Up Displays (HUDs) for increased situational awareness, Block 7.0/8.1 software installed in-line during production, automated maintenance fault reporting, an integrated defensive suite, and a 250-knot ramp/door.
Adaptable C-130J Variants
It has proven itself in a wide variety of missions and the harshest operating conditions, thanks to its uniquely adaptable platform. It is available in several configurations. Previously delivered variants include the WC-130J for weather reconnaissance, which is a U.S. Air Force-only variant.
The AC-130J, modified for air support, air interdiction, and armed reconnaissance, is also a U.S. Air Force-only variant.
The available production variants include the C-130J and the longer fuselage C-130J-30 for combat delivery, the KC-130J for aerial and ground refuelling, the MC-130J for Special Operations, including aerial and ground refuelling (U.S. Air Force-only variant), and the HC-130J for search and rescue support missions, which also includes aerial and ground refuelling capabilities (U.S. Air Force-only variant).
The HC-130J variant is specifically designed for search and rescue as well as maritime support missions, making it a critical asset for the U.S. Coast Guard.
The aircraft is equipped with advanced avionics and communication systems to perform effectively in diverse and challenging environments, ensuring successful rescue operations and maritime patrols.
On the civilian side, the LM-100J serves as a civil-certified multi-purpose air freighter. The aircraft is capable of transporting a wide range of cargo, from humanitarian aid to commercial goods.
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