Lockheed Martin Delivers 2,700th C-130 Hercules Tactical Airlifter
KC-130J Refuels Most Rotary-Wing Aircraft
Lockheed Martin has delivered the 2,700th C-130 Super Hercules tactical airlifter, a KC-130J tanker, to the US Marine Corps Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 252 stationed at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point in North Carolina.
The C-130 Hercules series has earned acclaim for its robust performance and unique versatility. It serves operations in 70 countries worldwide across various mission types. The latest iteration, the C-130J Super Hercules, including the KC-130J tactical tanker variant, supports 18 mission requirements. The C-130J primarily performs the tactical portion of the airlift mission.
Rod McLean, Vice President and General Manager of Lockheed Martin’s Air Mobility & Maritime Missions line of business, expressed pride in delivering this landmark aircraft to augment the world’s largest KC-130J fleet within the US Marine Corps.
“This Hercules represents our 2,700th delivery and highlights its enduring adaptability and mission capability,” McLean said.
The KC-130J, a global benchmark for tactical tankers, stands out for its unique features. It refuels most rotary-wing aircraft operating alongside fixed-wing aircraft like the Lockheed Martin F-35B/C Lightning II fighters. Its tactical design facilitates optimal refuelling conditions, including slow speeds and low altitudes ideal for helicopter operations.
With a global fleet spanning 26 operators across 22 nations and boasting over 540 C-130Js, Lockheed Martin’s C-130J Super Hercules has accumulated three million flight hours, providing invaluable operational insights across diverse mission scenarios.
The C-130J Super Hercules incorporates advanced technology to enhance performance and mission capabilities. Equipped with upgraded engines, propellers, and avionics, the C-130J offers superior range, speed, and payload capacity compared to its predecessors.
Its ability to operate in diverse environments, from combat zones to humanitarian missions, makes it indispensable to air forces worldwide. With a reputation for reliability and adaptability, the C-130J continues to evolve, ensuring it remains a cornerstone of tactical airlift and special operations for decades.
Featured image: The C-130J Super Hercules incorporates advanced technology. Credit: Lockheed Martin
