RCAF receives final CC-130J aircraft from Lockheed
The Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) has taken delivery of its final CC-130J Super Hercules tactical transport aircraft under contract from Lockheed Martin, at its Marietta facility in the US.
The Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) has taken delivery of its final CC-130J Super Hercules tactical transport aircraft under contract from Lockheed Martin, at its Marietta facility in the US.
Lockheed Martin was awarded a $1.4bn contract by the air force in December 2007 for the delivery of 17 CC-130J aircraft to replace the CC-130E and H aircraft, which are scheduled to be withdrawn from service by the end of 2012.
Colin Keiver, commanding officer lieutenant colonel of 436 (T) Squadron, said: "The aircraft has already proven its worth around the world in places like Afghanistan and Libya, as well as here, at home in Canada."
The final CC-130J aircraft will be delivered to Canadian Forces 8 Base Wing Trenton by the end of the week.
A stretched configuration of the C-130J, operated by the US and other air forces, the CC-130J Super Hercules is a four-engine fixed-wing turboprop tactical transport aircraft, designed to provide the RCAF with a cost-effective and operationally-proven tactical airlift capability.
The aircraft features an enhanced cargo handling system and a rugged landing gear. The aircraft can also be used for troop transportation and aircrew training.
The advanced flight station consists of four multifunctional LCD displays, two holographic head-up displays (HUD), electronic and digital readouts for aircraft flight controls and navigational systems.
Defence systems include a missile warning and countermeasures dispensing system and a radar warning receiver.
Lockheed was also awarded a $72.1m contract in January 2010 for in-service support to maintain the new fleet until 30 June 2016.
Image: RCAF's CC-130J Super Hercules is a stretched configuration of the US Air Force C-130J; Photo: courtesy of Adrian Pingstone.