Lockheed Martin has delivered two C-130J Super Hercules tactical transport aircraft to the US Air Force (USAF) from its facility in Marietta, Georgia, US.
The new aircraft include a MC-130J Commando II multimission combat transport / special operations tanker that has been assigned to the Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC), at Cannon Air Force Base, New Mexico.
The second is a HC-130J Combat King II assigned to Air Combat Command at Moody Air Force Base in Georgia.
The HC-130J is the air force’s only dedicated fixed-wing personnel recovery platform and is flown by the US Air Combat Command, according to a statement posted on the company’s website.
Earlier this month, Lockheed secured a contract from the US Air Force (USAF) Life Cycle Management Center’s Mobility Directorate to supply 78 C-130J Super Hercules military transport aircraft.
Under the contract, the company will supply C-130J aircraft over the next five years.
Powered by four Allison AE2100D3 turboprop engines, the C-130J Super Hercules is designed to conduct airborne assault, search-and-rescue (SAR), scientific research support, weather reconnaissance and aerial refuelling, and maritime patrol and aerial fire fighting missions.
The aircraft equipped with a glass cockpit, digital avionics and a new propulsion system with a six-bladed propeller can accommodate a payload of up to 20t and more than 90 passengers.
Image: HC-130J Combat King II assigned to Air Combat Command at Moody Air Force Base, Georgia. Photo: Lockheed Martin photo by Mandie Mills.
