C-130 Hercules News

November 29, 2006 (by Lockheed Martin) - Lockheed Martin delivered the C-130 at its facility in Marietta, Georgia in ceremonies today. The milestone aircraft, a KC-130J Super Hercules tanker for the United States Marine Corps, was accepted by Major General Samuel T. Helland, Commanding General of the Third Marine Aircraft Wing at MCAS Miramar, California.
The Marine Corps has taken delivery of 24 KC-130J Tankers, six of which are currently deployed to Iraq in support of ongoing combat operations.

“The Third Marine Aircraft Wing and I are extremely pleased to accept our 12th KC 130J at MCAS Miramar,” said Maj. Gen. Helland at today’s ceremony. “The KC-130J is a magnificent reminder of the close relationship between the United States Marine Corps and Lockheed Martin and, with its great service record, it will continue to provide tireless combat support to the Marine Corps and our warriors forward deployed.”

Regarded as the U.S. Air Force’s premier intratheater airlifter, the C 130J is the most advanced airlifter available on the world market. Features of the Super Hercules include its extended range with greater thrust under all conditions, high-elevation/hot-temperature performance, enhanced situational awareness, enhanced defensive systems, and significant operational flexibility. Redesigned and improved to operate in demanding environments, the C-130J delivers a unique mix of excellent high altitude/hot climate and short take-off and landing/soft field performance for intra-theater operations.

The C-130 production line in Marietta is the longest continuously operating military aircraft production line in history. The C-130 has been in continuous production for more than 50 years. The J model is the fifth major production variant of this versatile airlifter.