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December 2007 for the delivery of 17 CC-130J aircraft to replace the CC-130E and H aircraft, which are scheduled to be withdrawn from service by the end of 2012.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.
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